Are you experiencing excruciating pain, or have you spotted a suspicious liquid in your mouth? It might be a dental emergency!
Dentists specialize in preventing, treating, and repairing oral health issues. But there are times when an accident happens.
What do you do when a dentist appointment is impossible due to pain or swelling? What about after an accident or injury that damages your mouth? Do you know how to take care of a dental emergency?
Keep reading to find out how to handle common dental emergencies.
Assess the Situation
When faced with a dental emergency, the first and most crucial step is to assess the situation. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to call 911 or see a doctor immediately.
Applying pressure to the affected area might be necessary to help reduce swelling and pain. Identify any dental pieces or affected areas to determine the extent of the damage.
Lastly, evaluate the surrounding area to ensure the safety of the patient and any friends or family present. Assessing the situation is the first and most crucial step in responding to a dental emergency.
Control Bleeding
In a dental emergency that involves bleeding, it is vital to act quickly and take steps to control bleeding. First, you should bite firmly on a piece of sterile gauze for 20 minutes to minimize the flow of blood.
If the bleeding continues, apply moistened tea bags or a cold compress to the area for 20 minutes. Taking ibuprofen can also help to reduce swelling and pain.
If bleeding persists, you should go to the nearest Emergency Department or call a dentist. Before and while seeking medical care, you should continue to apply firm pressure on the affected area and maintain good oral hygiene. It is important to seek professional treatment to prevent further bleeding.
Rinse Your Mouth With Warm Water
In a dental emergency, it’s important to rinse your mouth with warm water. It may help to flush out any debris that may be stuck in your teeth or gum.
Warm water can also help soothe any pain and discomfort you may be experiencing. To use warm water correctly, fill a cup with warm water and use a small amount at a time to gently rinse out your mouth.
Make sure to spit out the water after each rinse. Avoid over-rinsing and swallowing the water, as this can create more discomfort and make the issue worse. For more severe dental emergencies, contact a professional dentist for treatment.
Relieve Pain and Swelling
If you have a dental emergency, here are some steps to help relieve pain and swelling. First, take pain medicines like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium that you can buy over the counter.
Then, use a cold compress on the face to reduce any swelling. Applying an ice pack to the affected area for 15 minutes every hour can help as well. Do not place the cold pack directly on your skin, but wrap it in a cloth.
Alternatively, use a warm compress to reduce pain and help with inflammation. Another option is to mix equal parts of baking soda and warm water and use the solution as a mouth rinse to help reduce pain and swelling. Finally, see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent any further infection or damage.
Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth
When a tooth is knocked out, the first action to take is to find the tooth. If the tooth is left out for too long, the chance of successfully re-implanting drops significantly.
When you have the tooth, handle it by the crown and avoid touching the root. Then, clean any dirt off the tooth if needed but do not attempt to scrub it or use water.
Keep the tooth moist in either milk or an emergency tooth-preserving product. Be sure to bring the tooth and notify the dentist as soon as possible. If done correctly and in a timely manner, the tooth can sometimes be successfully re-implanted.
Treat Soft Tissue Injuries
If you experience a dental emergency, it is important to address any soft tissue injuries. If you experience a cut in or around your mouth, it is important to rinse the area with water and apply pressure using sterile gauze to the wound to stop the bleeding.
It is important to never apply ice directly to the injury, as any temperature changes could cause further injury. Additionally, it is important to keep the area clean and avoid contact with the wound.
To prevent infection, using a diluted mixture of hydrogen peroxide or antiseptic mouthwash and salt is important. These treatments may help reduce painful swelling and protect against infection.
Seek Immediate Dental Attention
If you experience a dental emergency, you should seek immediate dental attention by researching “dentist near me.” This is especially important if you suffer from an injury to the face, jaws, teeth, or gums.
Even though over-the-counter medications can help ease the pain. They are temporary solutions and are not intended to replace professional care. To get the best treatment for your dental emergency, visit a dentist’s office or an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
They will be able to assess your situation and provide you with the necessary care. Depending on the severity of your condition, they can prescribe medications or provide a procedure to relieve your symptoms and restore your oral health.
Know What to Do During a Dental Emergency
In a dental emergency, it is vital to assess the situation, contact your dentist, and take steps to reduce pain until you can receive treatment. Seek emergency dental care from a qualified dentist to ensure a complete and safe recovery.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact your dentist today so you can get back to feeling your best.
If you found this helpful and want to read more great content, check out our latest blog posts now!
