What to Do When You Have a Dental Emergency? Quick Relief

Dental emergencies such as an injury to the gums or teeth, have the potential to negatively impact your overall health. Postponing treatment for a dental issue can lead to permanent damage and more expensive and extensive treatment down the road.

In this article, we’ll discuss some common dental problems and ways to address them.

What is a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies are unpredictable and can take place anywhere. Consequently, it is essential to be prepared for them. Dental emergencies are situations in which your mouth sustains some form of trauma, causing bleeding or damage to your gums, teeth, and other surrounding tissues. 

What types of dental problems would be considered an emergency?

Some dental problems require quick and professional medical attention. You should see an emergency dentist if you experience any of the following:

Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth

If the fracture reaches the part of the tooth hidden by the gum tissue, it could damage the tooth’s root and affect nerves and blood vessels. To clean the area, swish warm water around in your mouth. If you need to decrease swelling, use a cold compress or an ice or cold pack wrapped in a clean cloth on the face.

If you believe you may have a potentially serious mouth condition, it’s always best to schedule an appointment with your dentist as quickly as possible. This way, they can catch the problem early on and ensure that no further complications develop. 

Knocked-out tooth

Your tooth could be only slightly out of place or totally removed from the socket. A sense of urgency is essential for both conditions, as emergency dental care is required. If a tooth is dislodged, it can die within an hour. As soon as your tooth is knocked out, find it and preserve it in saline or milk until you can see a dentist if you want the tooth to be saved.

If one of your teeth is only partially out of the socket, rinse your mouth to clear any debris and lightly tap the tooth back into place. Time is crucial when it comes to saving your tooth, so waste no time and contact your dentist for an emergency appointment.

Toothache

Pain is your body’s way of signalling that something is wrong. In the case of dental pain, it usually means you have tooth decay. Some toothaches can be painful but manageable; however, certain symptoms, such as swelling, need emergency attention. Don’t rely on aspirin or other painkillers to ease your discomfort, as contact with the gums can further irritate the tissue. To relieve pain, put a cold compress on the outside area of your cheek and contact your dentist for emergency care. Most importantly, maintaining good oral hygiene is important for preventing tooth decay and cavities.

Abscess

Serious infections in the mouth can occur in the gap between the gums and teeth or near a tooth’s root. If left unattended, these infections can spread to other teeth, gum tissue, and the rest of the body. A simple way to check if you have an abscess is to feel your gums for a swollen, pimple-like spot that is painful to the touch. To avoid further worsening your oral health, it is best to call your dentist immediately for emergency treatment. For temporary relief, swish a cup of water around your mouth, spit it out, and then apply ice to the swollen area.

Lost crown

If your crown falls off, schedule a meeting with your dentist as quickly as you can. If you can’t immediately get to the dentist and your tooth is aching, apply clove oil to the painful area with a cotton swab. Place the dental crown over the tooth if possible. First, coat the inside of the crown with over-the-counter denture adhesive, toothpaste, or dental cement. This will help secure the crown in place. 

Gum or facial swelling

If you experience swelling in your cheeks and gums, it may indicate a dental issue requiring a professional diagnosis. You can soothe inflammation by hydrating with plenty of fluids and applying a cold compress or ice.

How can dental emergencies be prevented?

An effective way to prevent dental emergencies is by visiting your dentist regularly. However, here are some more tips for preventing dental emergencies.

Be mindful of what you eat

You probably know that sweets, crackers, and other starchy or sugary foods are bad for your teeth. Also, you should try to avoid or limit your consumption of alcohol, soda, fruit juice, and coffee. Meals that are sticky often cause problems because they can get trapped between the teeth and be difficult to remove. Biting down too hard on crunchy foods can cause serious damage to your teeth and require emergency dental care. Be sure to stay away from any foods that are difficult to chew.

Wear mouth guards

Did you know that mouthguards aren’t just for athletes? Everyone can benefit from wearing a mouthguard. A mouth guard functions by shock absorption and impact distribution in order to protect your teeth from damage. By wearing mouthguards, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with contact sports and other recreational activities where there is a higher likelihood of falling or sustaining hard blows.

Practise daily oral hygiene

Taking care of your teeth and gums by regularly brushing and flossing is vital for maintaining good oral health. Bacteria multiply quickly in food particles, which contributes to gum diseases or tooth decay. Infections in the mouth can damage gums and teeth and may require a trip to the emergency dentist.

Drink lots of water

Did you know that most people don’t drink sufficient water daily? Keeping your body hydrated is vital for more than just your health – it also keeps your mouth healthy.

Saliva is a liquid that aids in maintaining pH levels in your mouth and gets rid of bacteria, old skin cells, and food particles. In addition, your saliva contains minerals that shield your teeth from decay. 

Get emergency dental care at No Gaps Dental

Immediate professional attention is necessary for dental emergencies because of their sensitive nature. It is not recommended that you try to mask the pain with medication or procrastinate getting treatment. With No Gaps Dental, you will never have to worry about a dental emergency because our friendly dentists are ready to welcome you in any one of our 15 conveniently located dental clinics, and offer you high-quality treatment and immediate relief! 

Contact us on (02) 8007 6727 today to book your appointment if you have a dental emergency.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. 

References

Handling Dental Emergencies
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/handling-dental-emergencies#1

Do You Need Emergency Dental Care?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/do-you-need-emergency-dental-care