Dental emergencies can be painful and scary, but if you know what to do ahead of time, you can make the best of the situation and minimize the damage. Here’s what you should know about a few common dental emergencies.
Knocked Out Tooth
Knowing what to do if your tooth gets knocked out is particularly important because it could mean the difference between saving your tooth and losing it permanently. If your tooth gets knocked out, this is what you should do:
- Retrieve the missing tooth while doing your best to avoid touching the root.
- Hold the tooth by the crown (the part that is normally above your gums) and rinse the tooth off in warm water.
- Rinse out your mouth
- If possible, gently place the tooth back in its spot, but do not push it all the way in. If you can’t put the tooth back in its spot put it in a small container of milk instead.
- If your gums are bleeding, use gauze to fill in the hole and prevent more bleeding.
- Contact your dentist as soon as possible. Even if you’ve put the tooth back in, you need to visit your dentist within an hour of the tooth being knocked out for the best chances of saving the tooth.
Serious Toothache
A toothache can be a sign of a serious dental problem. If you have a severe toothache, schedule an appointment with your dentist as quickly as possible. While you wait to see your dentist there are a few things you can do on your own.
Start by cleaning your mouth. Rinse with warm water and gently floss between your teeth to make sure nothing is lodged in your mouth. Then use a cold compress to numb the pain and reduce swelling. Don’t put painkillers next to your teeth since they could damage your gums.
Cracked Or Chipped Tooth
If you chip or crack a tooth, rinse out your mouth with warm water and use gauze to stop the bleeding. Contact your dentist as soon as possible and use a cold compress to minimize swelling and prevent pain while you wait.
To learn more about keeping your teeth healthy and handling dental problems, contact New Smiles.
