Dental emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. When an emergency strikes, you need to be informed, calm and proactive. To ensure you’re prepared to handle an unexpected incident, we’ve put together some crucial advice from the experts at EGil Dental.
Recognizing a Dental Emergency
The first step in dealing with a dental emergency is recognizing it. While a variety of situations might require urgent attention, some examples of dental emergencies include:
- A weak or loose tooth
- Severe tooth pain
- Bleeding or pain in the mouth
- Swelling in the face, jaw or mouth
- Broken, chipped or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Lost or damaged dental appliances, such as braces or a retainer
Steps to Take in a Dental Emergency
Once you’ve recognized a dental emergency, it’s important to act fast. Here’s what you should do:
Contact Your Dentist Immediately
Your first step should be to call your dentist as soon as you can. For the best chance of getting prompt treatment, it’s important to get in touch with your dentist right away.
If it’s after hours or on a weekend, your dentist will likely have an emergency phone number you can call. If your dentist is unreachable for any reason, you’ll want to seek help elsewhere, such as going to an emergency dental clinic or the closest hospital.
Manage Severe Pain and Swelling
If you’re experiencing severe pain or swelling, there are a few things you can do to manage the symptoms until your dentist can see you. Start by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater, as this can help to reduce pain and swelling. As an alternative to saltwater, you can use an over-the-counter oral anesthetic.
If the pain and swelling are particularly severe, you might want to take an over-the-counter pain medication. Be sure to follow the recommended dosages and consult with your dentist before taking any medication. If you’re experiencing severe pain, you should also try to avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth, as this can exacerbate the problem.
Recover Lost Teeth and Dental Appliances
If you’ve lost a tooth or a dental appliance, you’ll want to take immediate action to give yourself the best chance of recovery. Start by gently rinsing the lost tooth or appliance in water, then place it in a container of milk or a saltwater solution. This can help to keep the tooth or appliance moist and increase the likelihood of a successful reattachment.
Once the tooth or appliance has been stabilized, your next step is to get to your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you can get to your dentist, the better your chances of successfully fixing the problem.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While it’s virtually impossible to completely eliminate the risk of a dental emergency, there are some things you can do to help reduce the likelihood of a dental crisis. Here are a few tips from the experts at EGil Dental:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
The best way to prevent dental emergencies is to take good care of your teeth. Make sure to brush and floss regularly, and schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist.
Protect Your Teeth
If you play contact sports or participate in any activities that might put your teeth at risk, it’s a good idea to wear a mouth guard. This can help to protect your teeth and reduce the risk of a dental emergency.
Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink
Some foods and drinks can increase the risk of a dental emergency, such as hard candies, popcorn and sticky foods. Be sure to enjoy these treats in moderation and chew carefully to reduce the risk of a broken or dislodged tooth.
Conclusion
A dental emergency can be a terrifying experience, but with the right knowledge and approach, you can handle the situation effectively. If you ever find yourself in a dental emergency, remember to:
- Recognize the emergency and act fast
- Contact your dentist immediately
- Manage severe pain and swelling
- Recover lost teeth and dental appliances
- Take steps to prevent future emergencies
For the most up-to-date information on handling dental emergencies, be sure to consult with the experts at EGil Dental.