Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and often without warning. As such, it’s absolutely essential to be prepared and ready. Knowing how to handle these situations can make a significant difference in preserving your oral health and alleviating pain. This post will walk you through common dental emergencies, and the best steps to take when they occur.

Understanding Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, or save a tooth. Some common dental emergencies include toothaches, chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, lost fillings or crowns, and abscesses. Recognizing when a situation is a true emergency and requires immediate professional intervention is crucial for effective treatment and pain relief.

What To Do in Various Emergency Situations

As mentioned, being prepared is the best thing to do. However, since there are a number of different situations that qualify as dental emergencies, let’s break them each down, and analyze the best actions to take.

Severe Toothache

The first step when experiencing a serious toothache is to check if food particles are stuck between your teeth. Use dental floss gently to remove any debris. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area thoroughly. If none of these work, it’s of course best to check with your dentist immediately.           

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help alleviate the pain. Avoid placing aspirin or other painkillers directly on the gums near the aching tooth, as this can burn the gum tissue. If swelling is present, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Persistent pain, swelling, or fever accompanying a toothache could indicate an infection or other serious issue. In such cases, it’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

If you chip or break a tooth, rinse your mouth immediately with warm water to clean the area. Save any pieces of the tooth you can find and rinse them as well. Keep the fragments moist by placing them in a container of milk or saline; these liquids will help preserve the ligaments present in the.

To reduce swelling and pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the broken tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage discomfort. As with most of these emergencies, it’s important to see a dentist promptly to repair the damage and prevent further complications. Even if the break seems minor, a professional evaluation is necessary.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth is knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown (the part of the tooth you normally see), not the root. Touching the root can damage the cells necessary for reattachment. Rinse the tooth gently with water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket immediately. Gently push it in with your fingers, holding it by the crown, and then bite down softly on a clean piece of cloth or gauze to hold it in place.

If reinserting the tooth is not possible, keep it moist. Place the tooth in a container of milk or a tooth preservation product approved by the ADA. In the absence of these, place the tooth between your cheek and gums to keep it moist with your saliva. Getting to a dentist within 30 minutes is absolutely critical for the best chance of saving the tooth. Immediate professional attention is necessary. Beyond reinserting the tooth, there will be a degree of trauma in the gums and ligaments surrounding the tooth, so an evaluation would be highly recommended.

Lost Fillings or Crowns

If you lose a filling, you can cover the cavity with dental cement, which is available at most pharmacies. Alternatively, a piece of sugarless gum can be used as a temporary measure. For lost crowns, try to slip the crown back over the tooth using dental cement to hold it in place temporarily. It’s essential to visit your dentist promptly to replace the filling or crown. Delaying treatment can lead to further damage or infection.

Abscess

An abscessed tooth can cause severe pain, swelling, fever, and a pus-filled bump on the gums near the infected tooth. This type of infection can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly, so treatment as soon as possible would be the best-case scenario. Rinse your mouth with mild salt water several times a day to reduce pain and draw out some of the pus. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort. Seek immediate dental care if you suspect an abscess. This condition requires prompt treatment to avoid serious complications.

Prevention of Dental Emergencies

The best way to prevent dental emergencies is to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Beyond that, taking steps to limit the risk of dental injury would be your best move. Wearing a mouthguard during sports activities can prevent injuries to your teeth and mouth. Avoid chewing hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, and pens to reduce the risk of chipped or broken teeth.

Finally, a healthy diet is essential for maintaining strong teeth and gums. Limit sugary foods and drinks that can lead to cavities. Instead, focus on foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, like dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts, to help strengthen your teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, also promote oral health by stimulating gums and reducing plaque buildup. Routine dental check-ups are crucial for early detection and prevention of oral health issues. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and examinations. Your dentist can identify potential problems before they become emergencies and provide tailored advice for your oral care routine.

Preparing for Dental Emergencies

When situations such as this occurs, having a dental emergency kit on hand can be very useful. Include items such as gauze, a small container with a lid, pain relievers, dental cement, and the contact information of your dentist. On that note, knowing where to find emergency dental services in your area is a good practice to be in. Keep your dentist’s after-hours contact information readily available, and familiarize yourself with the locations of nearby emergency dental clinics.

Conclusion

Handling a dental emergency can be daunting, but being prepared can make a significant difference in the outcome. By understanding common dental emergencies and knowing the appropriate steps to take, you can manage the situation effectively until you can see a dentist. Maintaining good oral hygiene, using protective measures, and having regular dental check-ups are key to preventing emergencies. It could even make a difference in whether or not you can keep a tooth. Stay informed and prepared!

Arlington Family Dental is your home for dealing with dental situations of all forms. Our dentist is prepared to handle a diverse set of dental procedures, and is accepting new patients now! Schedule an appointment today!