Have you ever experienced a sudden toothache in the middle of the night or a chipped tooth after a weekend football game?  This is a case of a dental emergency that needs to be attended to to prevent further damage and alleviate the excruciating pain.  It’s crucial to know how to handle such a situation to respond appropriately and save the day for the patient.

A dental emergency is all about mouth-related issues that need immediate action.  It may range from severe pain or infection to trauma and injuries.  Severe toothaches, broken teeth, dental abscesses, or soft tissue injuries are examples of this type of emergency.  Being prepared for these situations will minimize pain and discomfort, prevent infection from spreading, reduce anxiety, or even save a tooth.  

Dental Emergency Kit

This kit should include the following:  pain relievers like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, dental floss to alleviate discomfort from trapped food, temporary filling material to protect the damaged tooth, gauze pad to stop bleeding, cold pack to reduce swelling and numbness, small container with lid where to store a knocked-out tooth in milk or saline solution, cotton swab to apply ointments or clean minor wounds, and contact information of your dentist and nearby dental clinics.  This is your dental first-aid kit ready in case of emergencies.  

Immediate Response to Common Dental Emergencies

Toothache — Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and use dental floss to remove pieces between your teeth that may be causing you discomfort.  Take pain reliever if pain persists but refrain from taking aspirin that can actually worsen the bleeding.

Knocked-Out Tooth – Hold the tooth by the crown (top) and rinse it gently with water, then try to reinsert it into the socket.  Don’t force it, if re-insertion is not possible, place the tooth in a container with milk or saline solution.  And be sure to reach the dentist within 30 minutes for a better chance of saving the tooth.

Chipped or Broken Tooth – Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to that part of your face near the broken tooth.  If there are broken pieces, bring them with you to the dentist.

Dental Abscess – Again, mouthwash with salt water several times a day and avoid popping or pressing on the abscess.  Seek immediate dental care before the infection spreads to other parts of the mouth.

Soft Tissue Injuries – To stop the bleeding, use gauze to apply pressure.  Mouthwash with a mild saltwater solution and if bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, seek emergency dental care.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies happen as accidents, but there are ways to reduce your risk:

• Use a mouthguard during sports activities.
• Refrain from biting hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, or pens.
• Practice good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.
• Regularly visit your dentist not only for checkups but also for cleaning.
• Address minor dental issues promptly before they become emergencies.

When there’s severe pain, persistent bleeding, swelling, or fever, when every second counts, don’t hesitate to go to emergency dental Ivanhoe or the reliable dental clinic near you.  Your emergency dental preparedness will be of great help in this situation.