A dental emergency can occur at any time when you least expect it, and being prepared to take action when you have a dental emergency can be vital when it comes to preserving the health of the tooth that’s damaged.
Everyone knows how painful a dental emergency can be, and because there are many different causes of a dental emergency, understanding the next steps on what you’d need to do is essential.
So, what should you do when you have a dental emergency? Let’s answer that with some guidelines below to help you.
What Is Classed As An Urgent Dental Emergency?
When you experience pain in the mouth, it indicates that a dentist trip is required. But what is considered an urgent trip to the dentist?
- A knocked-out or displaced tooth
- Jaw injury
- A throbbing toothache that won’t go away
- Tooth sensitivity to the extreme
- Gums that won’t stop bleeding
- Swelling of the face that is painful
- Swollen cheeks and a toothache are a bad combination
If you suffer from any of these emergency complaints, then you must consult the dentist as soon as possible. If a dentist isn’t available, then locate your local hospital department that accepts patients with emergency dental issues.
What Is Class As A Non-Urgent Dental Emergency?
Any kind of pain, no matter if it’s severe or minor, requires a visit to the dentist. However, some emergencies may not require immediate assistance. Below is a list of what’s classed as a non-urgent dental emergency:
- Fractured or cracked tooth
- Food trapped in between teeth
- Small chips and cracks
- A dislodged filling
- Lost crown or bridge
- Broken retainer
- Tooth sensitivity
When you suffer from either of these non-urgent dental emergencies, whilst you don’t need to visit your local hospital, it is advised that you consult your dentist to get an appointment booked as early as possible, but the dentist can also advise you on tips to reduce any pain beforehand as well such as with home remedies or taking over-the-counter medication.
Home Remedies For A Dental Emergency
If you’re suffering from any sensitivity or minor issues, the pain is likely to feel strong at the start as trauma. Although there are remedies at home, you can try to limit the pain before your appointment with the dentist.
Saltwater Rinse
By lowering the pH balance inside your mouth and creating a more alkaline environment, a saltwater rinse is useful as a disinfectant and inflammation-healing therapy. This also aids in the reduction of bacterial spread. Due to a high number of germs and an acidic diet, an acidic environment is a likely cause of toothache.
Cold Compress
Use an ice pack or a frozen food packet as a cold compress. Apply this to the exterior of the problem area for 20 minutes at a time, and do so daily. Swelling and inflammation will most likely subside. Inflammation is an indication that your oral health is at risk of decay and infection.
Garlic
Garlic is an antibacterial agent. It can eliminate hazardous microorganisms and relieve pain. You could also chew on it.
Over-The-Counter Medication
Dentists frequently recommend acetaminophen as a pain reliever for mild to severe toothaches. Ibuprofen is another choice for toothache and irritation relief. The suggested dosage should be discussed with your dentist.
To avoid dental emergencies in the future, follow dentist recommendations regarding basic oral hygiene. This includes ensuring you brush and floss your teeth twice a day and always protect your teeth. This includes:
- Wearing a dental mouthguard during physical contact in sports
- Avoid using your teeth as an opening tool
- Don’t bite down on ice or hard equipment
- Treating any conditions such as teeth grinding
If you’re seeking support for a dental emergency, consult your local dentist as soon as possible today.