It’s normal to worry about the health of your teeth and gums, especially when you experience an unexpected dental emergency. But fear not! Nowadays, many common dental issues can be quickly resolved with a simple visit to the dentist or with some easy self-care strategies at home. So if you have a sore mouth, painful toothache, or another type of oral health concern that needs urgent attention, keep reading – it might save you time and anxiety in the long run.
Broken Tooth
If you have a fractured tooth, collect any pieces that may have been lost and rinse your mouth with warm water. If there is any bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze until it stops. It is also essential to avoid touching the exposed area of the tooth as this could cause further damage or lead to infection. You should visit your dentist as soon as possible so they can assess the damage and provide treatment if needed.
Lost Filling/Crown
If you have a lost filling or crown, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental wax (which your dentist can provide) to cover any sharp edges from the broken/missing restoration. Make sure to only chew something on the affected side once you have seen your dentist for further treatment.
Toothache
A toothache could be caused by many things, including decay, infection, or even clenching/grinding your teeth at night. To help alleviate pain, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (one teaspoon of salt per cup). Apply clove oil directly onto the affected area if possible, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen while awaiting an appointment with your dentist.
Object Caught Between Teeth
If an object has become stuck between your teeth, try using floss to gently remove it being careful not to damage either tooth or gum tissue. If that doesn’t work, contact your dentist immediately, as they will need to remove it properly without causing further damage.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are often caused by poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing twice daily or flossing regularly enough. To help stop the bleeding, brush gently but thoroughly, paying extra attention to areas where there is more blood to remove any plaque buildup that may be present along those gum lines, which could be irritating them further, causing them to bleed more quickly than usual. After brushing, ensure you rinse out with the warm saltwater solution mentioned above before making an appointment with your dentist for further advice regarding proper oral hygiene habits.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is often very painful because an infection causes it at the root of a tooth which has spread into the surrounding tissue. Gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and contact your dentist for an emergency appointment so they can assess what treatment is needed before any further complications arise, such as bone loss or facial swelling.
Conclusion
Dealing with sudden dental emergencies can seem overwhelming, but knowing what you need to do beforehand will make things much easier in handling them when they happen. Most dental emergencies can be prevented with proper care, so practice healthy oral hygiene daily! Always consult your dentist if you need help handling certain situations because they can offer professional advice tailored specifically for you.
