Have you ever experienced an emergency only to panic and be crippled by confusion? You are not alone. For example, dental emergencies can be a frightening and painful experience for anyone; and most of the time, we blank out and do not think clearly. Whether you have a sudden toothache or a knocked-out tooth, it is important to know what to do in these situations.
Today, we will cover everything you need to know about dental emergencies, including how to prevent them, how to handle them, and when to seek professional help. Read on to learn more.
On Preventing Dental Emergencies
The best way to deal with dental emergencies is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your teeth healthy and reduce the risk of dental emergencies:
- Brush and floss regularly: Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which are the most common causes of dental emergencies.
- Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports or engage in other physical activities, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from damage.
- Avoid chewing hard foods: Chewing hard foods such as ice or hard candy can damage your teeth and increase the risk of dental emergencies.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools: Using your teeth to open bottles or tear open packages can cause them to chip or break.
On Handling Dental Emergencies
Despite our best efforts, dental emergencies can still happen. Here are some tips to help you handle dental emergencies:
- Toothache: If you have a sudden toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and floss to remove any food particles that may be causing the pain. If the pain persists, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and contact your dentist.
- Broken or chipped tooth: If you have a broken or chipped tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces if possible. Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling, and contact your dentist.
- Knocked-out tooth: If you have a knocked-out tooth, rinse the tooth with water and try to place it back into the socket. If that is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and contact your dentist immediately.
- Objects stuck in teeth: If you have an object stuck in your teeth, try to remove it with dental floss. If that doesn’t work, contact your dentist.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some dental emergencies can be handled at home, others require professional help. Here are some signs that you should seek professional dental care:
- Severe pain: If you have severe pain that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain relievers, contact your dentist.
- Bleeding: If you have bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure for several minutes, contact your dentist.
- Swelling: If you have swelling that is affecting your breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care.
- Dental abscess: If you have a dental abscess, which is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, seek immediate dental care.
Dental Emergencies at a Glance:
Dental emergencies are something nobody can predict. They are often scary and painful, but knowing how to handle them, and when to seek professional help can make all the difference. By following these tips and seeking professional care when necessary, you can keep your teeth healthy and avoid dental emergencies as much as possible.
Moreover, remember to maintain good oral hygiene, wear protective gear when necessary, and avoid using your teeth as tools. If you do experience a dental emergency, stay calm, and follow the appropriate steps to get the care you need.
Do you need an emergency dentist in Redmond with Dr. Kale? Eckland Family Dentistry is here to provide quality dental care whenever you need it. Contact our team today in one of our convenient locations, Redmond with Dr. Colby, Everett, or Woodinville to address your dental needs with us!
