You take care of your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist periodically. You consume less sugary drinks and eat foods such as cheese, fish, fruits, vegetables, and almonds to improve the health of your teeth and gums.
Despite your best efforts, you may face a dental emergency. Perhaps you suffered an injury while playing a sport or when consuming a tricky meal. If so, your priority should be to find a skilled emergency dentist who is qualified and experienced to help you before your problem grows more problematic. But there are steps you can take to get relief until you reach the clinic.
#1 Broken Tooth:
Call the emergency helpline if you’ve been in an accident that requires immediate medical attention. Otherwise, reach out to your emergency dentist. Meanwhile, save any pieces of your chipped or broken tooth. If possible, store them in a glass of milk.
If you’re bleeding, hold gauze to the area until it stops. Likewise, use a cold compress to reduce swelling on the outside of the mouth.
#2 Dislodged Tooth:
If your tooth has been knocked out, then don’t throw it away. Clean it with water without scrubbing away any tissue and put it back in its place until you see a dentist. Alternatively, store it in a glass of milk. Remember, you’re more likely to save your tooth if you see your dentist quickly. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling on the outside of the mouth and take a painkiller for temporary relief.
Rinse your mouth with water to get rid of any food that could be causing a toothache. You may also try rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. Simply mix half a teaspoon of table salt with 10 ounces of water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
If food is stuck between your teeth, carefully use dental floss to try and dislodge the object. Avoid using a sharp object like a fork. You can also use over-the-counter medicines for pain relief until you see a dentist.
Don’t panic if your filling or crown is dislodged. Start by carefully removing it from your mouth so that you don’t accidentally swallow it. Store it safely. Meanwhile, protect the area before bacteria causes an infection.
You can use over-the-counter dental cement to coat the tooth, mold dental wax over the void, or use sugarless gum to cover the cavity. These measures can shield the tooth until you see your dentist.
If a wire is broken, then use the soft end of a pencil to push it back into place until you can see your orthodontist. You can also use a soft cotton ball to temporarily protect your mouth from the wire. If your braces are loose, then use orthodontic wax to reattach them. If the band is loose, have it recemented or replaced quickly.
These are a few ways you can find relief in a dental emergency. Remember, these measures are only temporary. You should see a dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring symptoms can result in permanent damage to your tooth.
#3 Toothache:
If food is stuck between your teeth, carefully use dental floss to try and dislodge the object. Avoid using a sharp object like a fork. You can also use over-the-counter medicines for pain relief until you see a dentist.
#4 Dislodged Filling or Crown
You can use over-the-counter dental cement to coat the tooth, mold dental wax over the void, or use sugarless gum to cover the cavity. These measures can shield the tooth until you see your dentist.
#5 Broken Braces or Wires
These are a few ways you can find relief in a dental emergency. Remember, these measures are only temporary. You should see a dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring symptoms can result in permanent damage to your tooth.
