Dental emergencies can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what to do. Toothache, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and bleeding gums are just a few of the many dental emergencies that require immediate attention. In such instances, it’s essential to know what to do to minimize damage and alleviate pain before seeking professional help.

Here are some tips from dental experts on what to do when you experience a dental emergency:

Toothache

Toothaches can be excruciating and are usually a sign of an underlying dental problem. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area, and use dental floss to get rid of any food particles that may be causing the pain. 

Apply a cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate the pain. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as it can burn the tissues.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

If you have a broken or chipped tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to address the swelling. If you have the piece of the tooth that broke off, keep it in a container of milk or saliva and take it with you to the dentist. Avoid chewing on that side of the mouth until you can see a dentist.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth is knocked out, it’s essential to act fast. Pick up the tooth by the crown carefully not touching the root, and rinse it with water if it’s dirty. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket, but don’t force it. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk or saliva. Get to a dentist immediately, as time is of the essence to save the tooth.

Loose Tooth

If you have a loose tooth, try to gently push it back into place with your fingers. Bite down on a piece of gauze to keep the tooth in place and prevent it from moving. Avoid chewing on that side of the mouth and see a dentist as soon as possible.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease or other dental problems. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area, and apply pressure to the gums with a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding persists, see a dentist for an evaluation.

Broken Braces

If you have broken braces, use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges or wires that may be causing discomfort. Avoid cutting the wire or removing any brackets, as this can cause more damage. See your orthodontist as soon as possible to repair the braces.

Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of a tooth and can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. Gargle warm salt water to clean the area, and take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate the pain. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums. See a dentist as soon as possible to drain the abscess and prevent it from spreading.

Final Thoughts

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what to do can alleviate pain and reduce damage until you can see a dentist. It’s essential to act fast and seek professional help as soon as possible, especially for knocked-out teeth or abscesses. Remember to practice good oral hygiene to prevent dental emergencies from occurring.

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