Do you suffer from dental emergencies? If yes, then tooth decay, chipped tooth or gum problems are some common concerns which should be treated on time. Though prevention with proper dental care is the most suitable way to maintain oral health, knowing what you should do during emergency prevent damage for a long term. So, what are common dental emergencies and how can you deal with them? With immediate and quick response, you will be able to avoid damage to your dental health and restore it for a long term.
This blogpost discusses about 7 common dental emergencies and how you can avoid them.
- Toothache – Tooth pain may denote various conditions such as tooth decay. Though it is possible to manage toothaches without emergency, certain signs like swelling will need immediate attention. Try to apply cold compress on the outer part of your cheek and see a dentist during emergency. After the treatment is done, the dentist will tell about the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene habits to avoid the problem of tooth decay, mouth cavities and more.
- Broken or chipped tooth – If you have bite down on something which is extremely hard, then a broken or chipped tooth will hurt your perfect smile. Rinse mouth with hot water and put a piece of gauze to your bleeding site. After this, apply cold compress to the part of your face which is close to chipped or broken tooth. This can help to lessen the swelling and ease pain. When looking for emergency dental care and treatment, the dentist advises to be conscious at the time of biting on hard foods which can cause your teeth to chip or break.
- Knocked out tooth – When dealing with a broken or chipped tooth, you should select the tooth by crown and then rinse off the root when it is dirty. Try to avoid removing and scrubbing the attached tissue fragments. Based on the type of injury you have, you can put the tooth back in proper place but do not push it into the socket. So, the quicker you will be able to do, the better you will have the chance to save a knocked-out tooth. In case you can’t reinsert the tooth, store it in a cup of milk till you visit your dentist.
- Lost crown or filling – Dental fillings and crowns may help to restore your damaged teeth back to its function and appearance. When the teeth break, you should get it treated immediately to prevent further re-infection or damage. Make this temporary fix while you wait at the clinic for emergency. You may stick one piece of sugarless gum into the cavity, but avoid fixing the tooth yourself in order to prevent further damage to it.
- Broken orthodontics – The braces are sturdy while brackets and metal wires have been designed to endure regular wear and tear at the time of eating, chewing and talking. But they may break easily and poke your gums and cheeks. This might lead to some discomfort though it can slow down or reverse the process with teeth alignment and straightening. When this takes place, push broken wire into a comfortable position and in case this is not possible, you can cover exposed end by using cotton ball, orthodontic wax or piece of gauze.
- Dental abscess – When there is some infection in your mouth, near the tooth root or in between the teeth and gums, they may spread to adjacent teeth, gum tissue and the entire body. It is advisable that you see a dentist and get your gums checked for the swollen spot. You can call the dentist immediately during emergency in order to prevent further dental health problems. Rinse mouth with mild water solution and put ice on the swollen area for getting temporary relief.
- Bleed and pain after a tooth extraction – It is quite obvious to experience extreme bleeding and pain after getting a tooth extracted. If this persists for more than one hour, you should call your dentist right away. Try placing gauze pad onto the site of extraction and do not eat, drink and rinse till the dentist asks you to do so.
How to prevent the problem of dental emergency
- Use a mouthguard – When playing sports, you should wear a mouthgaurd to protect yourself from any kind of dental emergencies.
- Avoid chewing on anything – Many people have the habit to bite on nails and chew pen caps. These bad habits may cause your teeth to chip or crack easily.
Thus, when you experience any of the dental concerns discussed above, it is time to visit an emergency dentist in Harley Street and get the right treatment done on time. Follow the advice given by your dentist to maintain good oral habits and stay protected.
