Sometimes, you may just have to visit your dentist a little more than twice a year.
Why? Dental emergencies. Those unforeseeable accidents or dental issues that require immediate attention. Your decision to ring up your dentist soon after a dental emergency could very well save an injured tooth and possibly prevent more extensive dental work in the future.
What is a dental emergency?
Injuries to the mouth, resulting in a tooth being knocked out, loosened or fractured, as well as cuts to the lip, cheeks and gums are all dental emergencies. If there is pain and/or bleeding, it is best to err on the side of caution and contact your dentist. Redlands Gentle Dental lists the most common types of dental emergencies:
#1: Knocked-out tooth
Having a tooth knocked out is a serious dental emergency, one that requires you to see your dentist within an hour, so that the tooth may be saved. You will need to hold the knocked-out tooth very carefully by the crown (not touching the root), rinsing it off with water if it is dirty. If you can, place the tooth back in the socket. If you’re unable to do so, place the tooth in some milk or a cup of water with a pinch of salt, and take it with you to the dentist.
#2: Severe toothache
Any tooth pains that you experience could indicate that you have a cavity, decay or even gum disease. Whilst over-the-counter painkillers may alleviate the pain, the main cause of it will remain untreated, exacerbating the problem.
#3: Cracked, chipped or broken teeth
If you’ve cracked, chipped or broken a tooth, you should try and locate any pieces, rinsing both your mouth and the pieces with warm water. Applying a cold pack to the outside of your cheek, around the affected area can relieve the pain and swelling until you get to your dentist.
#4: Partially dislodged tooth
If you have a partially dislodged tooth, it means that your tooth isn’t completely knocked out, and is either loose or pushed deeper into the gum. Dental assistants should be sought within an hour in order to save the tooth. Until you reach your dentist’s office, you can take a painkiller and apply a cold compress to help relieve the pain.
#5: Objects stuck between the teeth or under the gums
Dental floss can be used to dislodge the object stuck between your teeth. If that doesn’t work, you can knot your dental floss before trying again. If you’re still unable to remove the object, you should contact your dentist immediately.
#6: Abscesses
If you have an abscess, which is an infection that occurs around the tooth root or between your gums and teeth, an immediate dental visit is necessary to prevent any tissue damage and the spreading of the infection to other parts of the body.
#7: Soft-tissue injuries
Injuries to the tongue, cheeks, lips and gums are called soft-tissue injuries. Any bleeding can be controlled by:
- Rinsing your mouth with a warm water and salt mix;
- Applying a damp piece of gauze to the outside of the affected area for 15-20 minutes;
- Placing a cold compress to the outside of your cheeks, lips or gums for 5-10 minutes. This eases the pain and bleeding;
If the bleeding doesn’t stop, it is imperative that you see a dentist or have someone take you to an emergency room.
At Redlands Gentle Dental Care, we advise that you see a dentist as soon as possible following a dental emergency. Whatever your dental emergency, we are only a phone call away! So, if you have any questions or require immediate dental assistance- give our team a call.
