What to do in a Dental Emergency
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is an issue involving the teeth and supporting tissues that require urgent treatment by a relevant professional. These issues can range from bacterial, fungal, or viral infections to a fractured tooth or dental restoration. Dental emergencies can also be characterized by pain from the tooth and other sources, such as orofacial pain and toothache. It is essential to seek immediate treatment for dental emergencies to preserve the teeth for as long as possible. By contrast, a medical emergency is often more precisely defined as an acute condition which presents an immediate threat to life, limb, vision, or long-term health.
What to do if you have a dental emergency
If you experience a dental emergency, the first step is to contact your dentist or an emergency care dentist as soon as possible. To help manage the situation, you can rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to your face if swelling. Remember to explain your symptoms in detail when leaving a message with your dentist’s office. If the pain and discomfort persist and you need to see a medical professional, visit your closest emergency room. With some dental emergencies, time is of the essence, as seeing a dentist within 30 minutes or less can mean saving or losing your tooth.
Tips for dealing with dental emergencies
If you experience a dental emergency, it is essential to know what to do to best manage the situation until you can get to a dentist. Here are some tips for dealing with dental emergencies: Keep the tooth moist if it has been knocked out; rinse the mouth with warm water and put cold compresses on the face if a tooth is cracked; clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress if you bite your tongue or lip; rinse the mouth with warm water if you have a toothache, and try to gently remove an object stuck in the mouth with floss. Additionally, you should visit your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible and avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy. Finally, it is recommended to wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities and use scissors, not your teeth, to cut things.