We’re all familiar with the standard rules of dental hygiene: brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, visit the dentist once a year, etc.
But what do you do when a dental emergency occurs? That’s not quite as straightforward.
Most people don’t think about visiting the dentist until there are extreme symptoms present. Of course, having regular checkups can help ease dental issues down the line, but visiting the dentist when you’re in pain can be quite stressful.
If you suspect you might be having a dental emergency, keep in mind the most common dental emergencies.
Let’s get started:
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Chipped or Broken Tooth
A chipped or broken tooth can be a serious dental emergency. If you have a chipped tooth, you may experience pain, bleeding, or swelling, the same as having a broken tooth. In addition, you may have difficulty eating or drinking, and your tooth may be sensitive to pressure or temperature.
Severe Toothache
If you have a severe toothache that is accompanied by fever, swelling, and/or pain that radiates to your ear, jaw, or neck, or a foul-tasting discharge from your mouth, you may be experiencing a dental emergency. Take ibuprofen for pain relief and apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling as precautionary measures.
But if you are not sure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and call the dental office open near me.
Knocked-Out Tooth
The first thing you should do is try to find the tooth and gently rinse it off with water. If possible, try to put the tooth back in its socket.
If this is not possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk. Seek emergency dental care within 30 minutes of the tooth being knocked out.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is a pocket of infection that can destroy the bone around the tooth. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include severe toothache, swelling, fever, and regional lymphadenopathy. Other signs that you may have an abscessed tooth include bad breath, fever, and sensitivity to hot or cold.
Bleeding Gums
One of the most common dental emergencies of bleeding gums is the presence of blood when you brush or floss your teeth. If you notice blood on your toothbrush or in the sink after you brush, your gums are likely bleeding. In some cases, bleeding gums can also be a sign of gingivitis, which is a form of gum disease.
If your gums are bleeding and you’re also experiencing pain, swelling, or redness in your gums, it’s best to see a dentist right away, as these could be signs of a more serious dental problem.
Keep Up Your Dental Care For Your Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be very disruptive and painful, however, with proper preventative measures, early diagnosis, and timely treatment these issues can be resolved quickly and easily. To protect your teeth and minimize the risk of dental emergencies, regular visits to your dentist are recommended. Contact your dentist today to get started!
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