Emergency situations concerning the mouth or teeth are frequently unexpected, much like other health issues. Knowing how to respond to a dental emergency will allow you to use every minute to mitigate the severity of the problem. Getting to know how to contact an emergency dentist and what to do after an injury allows you to take fast action.
What should you do in the event of a dental emergency? In this blog, we will discuss some strategies that you can use whenever you are faced with one.
Common Dental Emergencies
Here are some common dental emergencies and what to do when they occur:
Toothaches
First, rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Use dental floss to remove any stuck food particles. Put a cold compress on the outside of your mouth or cheek if your mouth is swollen. Never apply aspirin or any other medication directly to the gums near a toothache, as doing so might burn the gum tissue. See your dentist as soon as possible.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
Save any fragments. Rinse the mouth with warm water and any particles. If there is bleeding, apply gauze to the affected area for approximately ten minutes or until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to the exterior of the mouth, cheek, or lip adjacent to the broken or chipped tooth to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Always retrieve the tooth and immediately handle it with care. Holding the tooth by its crown, carefully rinse it with water. Do not clean or remove any connected tissue fragments from the tooth. Never touch the tooth’s root with your hands since doing so might cause irreparable harm to cells required for bone reattachment. If possible, return the tooth to its original position, but never use force to do so.
Place the tooth in a tiny, sterile container filled with milk or a tooth-preservation solution that is widely available at most pharmacies if it does not fit easily into the socket. The knocked-out tooth must always be kept moist. Visit your dentist immediately, as time is of the essence. It is possible to save the tooth if it is correctly reinserted within 30 to 60 minutes.
Extruded Tooth (Partially Dislodged)
See your dentist in Maple Ridge immediately. Put a cold compress on the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area until you reach your dentist’s office. Take an over-the-counter pain medication if necessary.
Objects Caught between Teeth
First, use dental floss to remove the thing softly and carefully. Consult your dentist if the object cannot be extracted. Never use a pin or other sharp item to remove a stuck object. These tools can cause damage to the gums and tooth enamel. Consult an emergency dentist promptly for extractions.
Lost Filling or Crown
Schedule an appointment with your dentist emergency immediately if a filling or crown falls out. Keep the crown if you can. An over-the-counter dental cement can provide temporary relief until you can see a dentist if the exposed tooth is hurting you. A temporary crown replacement can be held in place with the use of this dental cement. Super glue should never be used to replace a dental crown.
Soft-Tissue Injury
If the soft tissue in your mouth, such as your tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips, has been lacerated, you may experience bleeding. First, rinse your mouth with a gentle mix of salt and water. If the bleeding continues, apply moist gauze to the wound for 10 to 15 minutes. If the bleeding is severe and does not cease after this time, consult a dentist or visit an emergency dental clinic immediately.
Broken Braces and Wires
This is not a dental emergency, although it can cause considerable discomfort and pain. If a wire breaks and pokes your face or gum, try manipulating its location using the eraser’s tip to make it more comfortable. If this does not work, use orthodontic wax to hide the end of the wire until you can reach your orthodontist’s office. Always consult your orthodontist for difficulties with your braces and wires.
Preventive Measures Against Dental Accidents
While there isn’t a completely fool-proof way to avoid dental emergencies, you can do a few things to give yourself a better chance.
Wear a Mouthguard When in Vigorous Activities
Wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from injury during sports or other physical activities. Mouthguards are designed to cushion the blow of a hit to the face, reducing the risk of broken or knocked-out teeth. They can also help reduce the risk of jaw injuries. It’s important to choose a mouthguard that fits comfortably and is easy to wear, so you’re more likely to use it.
Avoid Chewing Hard Food
Chewing hard things can put a lot of stress on your teeth, which can lead to chips, cracks, or even breakages. In addition, chewing ice can also cause damage to your tooth enamel, which is the hard, protective layer on your teeth. Instead of chewing hard things, opt for softer foods that are less likely to cause damage.
Never Cut Things with Your Teeth
Using your teeth as tools can put them at risk of damage. Cutting things with your teeth can cause chips, cracks or even breakages. Instead, always use scissors or other tools that are designed for cutting. This will help keep your teeth safe and prevent dental accidents from happening.
It’s important to note that even with all the preventive measures in place, dental accidents can still happen. It’s essential to be prepared and know what steps to take in case of an emergency. By following the above preventive measures and being aware of what to do in case of an emergency, you can reduce your risk of dental accidents and maintain good oral health.
Call an Emergency Dentist in Maple Ridge
Dental emergencies can occur at any time, and it is vital to be prepared. Learning what to do in a dental emergency can help you stay calm and take the necessary steps to protect your teeth and oral health.
If you’re facing a dental emergency, call an emergency dentist near you. At Westgate Dental Centre, we provide expert dental emergency services to help alleviate your pain and protect your teeth. Our highly trained dentists and staff are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest care.
We understand that dental emergencies can be scary, and we are here to make the process as smooth as possible. Choose Westgate Dental Centre as your go-to emergency dentist. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get the relief you need.
