Protecting your teeth from harm is incredibly important. Maybe you brush and floss daily, wear a mouth guard, or use an oral rinse to keep your teeth safe from cavities and gum disease. But, even when you do everything right, it can be difficult to avoid accidents, and when they occur, you want to ensure you’re taking adequate steps to protect yourself from further damage.
Knowing what steps to take when a dental emergency emerges can make all the difference, and protect you from more significant oral health complications. In this blog, we’ll explore what is considered a dental emergency, what you should do when these emergencies occur, and what to avoid if you want to protect yourself from more significant loss.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
The first step in treating a dental emergency is determining whether you’re actually facing an emergency. While you may be experiencing minor pain or sensitivity, this doesn’t always mean you’re dealing with an emergency and you may be able to put off professional dental care until the end of the weekend or regular business hours.
However, if you are experiencing any of the following, this is an indication that you’re dealing with an emergency and should reach out for immediate support:
- Badly broken or chipped teeth
- Bleeding that you’re struggling to control
- Lost or damaged fillings
- Severe pain, swelling of the face, and a fever
- A severely loose or dislodged tooth
- Abscess formation near the tooth or in your gums
When a dental emergency occurs, it’s essential that you reach out to your trusted dental team as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. With professional support and prompt care, you can avoid further damage to already compromised teeth, the complete loss of one or more teeth, and other health risks.
Essential First Aid Steps
During a dental emergency, it isn’t uncommon to experience heightened anxiety. However, remaining calm and performing essential first aid steps can help you protect your tooth and oral tissue. If you are dealing with severe bleeding, it is best to start by stopping the bleeding using clean gauze or cloths and firm pressure.
If your tooth is dislodged, locate the tooth and clean it using water. While it may be tempting, do not scrub the tooth, and instead rinse it gently before storing it in a container of milk or saliva. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to begin addressing swelling and potential bacteria presence. If you’re comfortable with it, consider taking an over-the-counter pain medication.
You may also want to use a cold compress to alleviate any swelling you’re experiencing. For patients who’ve lost their crown, find and clean it, before using an over-the-counter dental cement or a dab of toothpaste to hold it in place. Once you’ve done all of this, it is essential to call your dentist to schedule an emergency appointment.
Things to Avoid During a Dental Emergency
When patients are facing a dental emergency, it isn’t uncommon for them to attempt at-home repairs or remedies. While this can be tempting, it may do far more harm than good. In the end, it is best to avoid DIY dental treatment, and instead trust your dental team with essential care. If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, make sure to avoid the following:
- Using super glue to fix a broken filling
- Applying aspirin directly to your gum tissue
- Ignoring your broken tooth
- Using sharp objects to dislodge items
- Eating sticky or crunchy foods
- Biting with the affected tooth
- Using very hold or old water to address swelling
- Touching the root tissue of dislodged teeth
- Pulling out loose or painful teeth yourself
When You Need to Visit the Emergency Room
While it is important that you visit a dentist following a dental emergency, there are situations in which you may need to visit the emergency room. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should go straight to the emergency room for immediate care before attending an emergency dental appointment:
- Severe swelling that makes it difficult to speak, breathe, or swallow.
- Uncontrollable bleeding.
- Significant trauma, like a broken jawbone or deep cuts.
- A high or rising fever.
The care you receive while in the emergency room should be sufficient to hold you over until you can attend an emergency appointment with your dentist. While you may be tempted to avoid the emergency room, it is essential that you go if you are experiencing a true emergency, as this can help you avoid further complications and health risks.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Once you’ve treated a dental emergency, you want to ensure you’re doing everything in your power to prevent dealing with these emergencies again. One of the best ways to protect yourself from repeat damage is by maintaining a comprehensive oral hygiene routine that includes plenty of fluoride-rich products.
If you play contact sports, you should always wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from unexpected contacts. Additionally, avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candies. Also limit your sugar intake, as this can increase the acidity of your saliva and wear down your essential enamel.
Finally, don’t forget to attend your twice-yearly recommended dental exams and cleanings. During these appointments, your dental team can determine whether your current oral hygiene routine is supporting good oral health, and make lifestyle change and treatment recommendations to address problems before they turn into a dental emergency.
Let Fletcher Family Dental Handle Your Emergencies
If you’re looking for a reliable team in the Fletcher, NC, area to help you address a recent dental emergency, look no further than Fletcher Family Dental. Our team brings decades of experience, state-of-the-art tools, and a compassionate approach to every visit, whether you’re coming in for a cleaning or to address an emergency. With our team on your side, you can trust that your dental emergency will be handled promptly and efficiently.
When you need support for a dental emergency, contact our team to schedule an appointment.