Your teeth are one of your most valuable assets. A complete set of healthy pearly whites can boost your self-esteem and help maintain your best oral health. Sadly, accidents like toothache, gum disease, or a chipped tooth will happen, requiring emergency dental care.
Nobody would want to encounter these dental emergencies because they can be physically and emotionally draining. Fortunately, you can prevent them from happening by practicing healthy habits and listening to your doctor’s advice.
However, while dental emergencies are understandably distressing and prevention is always best, you must also know what to do to prevent long-term damage. This article will enumerate the seven most common conditions that need emergency dental care.
1. Abscess
You must seek dental care immediately if you suspect you have an abscess in the mouth, especially if it’s near the tooth’s root or in the space between the teeth and gums. You may feel a tender, swollen spot that resembles a pimple in the affected area.
You can relieve the pain by rinsing your mouth with a mild water solution and applying ice to the spot. Neglecting this condition will spread the infection to other teeth, gum tissue, and the rest of the body.
2. Bleeding and Pain after a Tooth Extraction
While it’s normal to experience soreness and some bleeding after getting your tooth pulled, you should contact your dentist immediately if it persists after an hour. Place a thick gauze pad over the extracted area and bite down to apply pressure. Avoid eating, drinking, sucking, spitting, and smoking to recover successfully.
3. Broken Braces
Extended and broken braces can poke your cheeks and gums, causing discomfort and making it more difficult to straighten your teeth. If the wire sticks out, try pushing it back into a more comfortable spot. Otherwise, cover it with cotton, gauze, or orthodontic wax. Never cut the wire because you can accidentally swallow it.
4. Chipped or Broken Teeth
A cracked or chipped tooth can be painful and ruin your beautiful smile. You can reduce swelling and discomfort by rinsing your mouth with warm water and applying gauze to the bleeding area. You should also use a cold compress on the area near the affected tooth. Consult your dentist immediately to avoid further damage. Moreover, you should avoid activities that may cause further damage to your tooth, such as eating crunchy foods or playing sports.
5. Knocked-Out Tooth
If you’re suffering from a knocked-out tooth, pick it up by the visible part in the mouth and only rinse the root if it’s dirty. Never scrub the tooth or remove any tissue fragments. You should also try to place the tooth back in its socket within an hour because it enhances the possibility of saving the tooth. Otherwise, you should store the tooth in a cup of water or milk with a sprinkle of salt.
6. Lost Filling or Crown
When a crown or filling cracks or breaks, you must seek emergency dental care immediately to prevent further damage. You can take a temporary measure by placing a piece of sugar-free gum into the damaged area. Place the restoration in a sealed bag and bring it to your dentist to get it re-fitted or fitted with a new one. Never try to fix the broken crown or the filling yourself because it will cause further damage.
7. Toothaches
Avoid painkillers and put a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. After your toothache treatment, you can prevent cavities and other dental problems by observing basic oral hygiene.
Prepared in the Face of Emergencies
Nobody deserves to lose their teeth because it can negatively affect their self-esteem. Fortunately, practicing healthy habits and seeking emergency dental care can help preserve your best smile.
Ivory Dental Manteca offers professional emergency dental care to keep your smile healthy and shiny. Schedule your appointment today!
