5 Most Common Types of Dental Emergencies
Injuries to your teeth or gums and other dental emergencies should not be ignored. Dental emergencies are very serious and need immediate medical attention. If not, they can lead to permanent loss of teeth or more costly and expensive treatment later on.
Dental emergencies can happen very quickly; one moment, you may be kicking a ball, and the next minute you are holding your tooth in your hands after it has been knocked out. It leaves you wondering what to do next.
This article will help you understand the most common types of dental emergencies, what to do when you experience and where to find an emergency dentist near you
Types of Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is any dental problem that requires immediate medical attention. The following are the several types of dental emergencies and how to do when you are experiencing one
- Toothache
Toothache is the most common dental emergency, and if you have one, it is best to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to reduce the swelling and clean the oral cavities. You can also apply a cold compress on your cheeks if you have inflammation. Vanilla extract, peppermint tea bags, and garlic can also alleviate the pain and soothe your sensitive gums. You can also treat the toothache by swabbing your tooth with cotton wool dipped in thyme oil mixed with water. If this does not work, visit our dentist near you, where you will be given prescribed medications for your toothache.
- Knocked-out tooth
You can lose your permanent tooth while participating in sports activities or any strenuous exercise. The first thing to do is find your tooth and avoid touching the root part, instead pick the crown part , the chewing side, and try placing it back to the socket carefully and correctly. If you cannot do this, you can put it in a fresh glass of milk if available to keep it moist. When there is no milk around you, place your tooth on your mouth, between the jaw and the tongue to keep it moistened. Take the tooth with you immediately to our dentist at V0H 1Z0.
- Bleeding in your mouth
Bleeding can be a sign of an acute or chronic condition. If you notice blood when flossing or brushing, it could be a sign of gingivitis or a gum problem. If blood is in your saliva, this could be a severe problem like advanced gum disease or cancer.
Several factors such as brushing too vigorously, pregnancy, injury, or inflammation can lead to uncontrolled bleeding. You can control the bleeding and reduce bacterial infection at home before visiting your dentist at Summerland by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. You can also apply a cold compress to your cheek to soothe the pain and reduce the inflammation. You should also keep your head alleviated and visit your dentist.
- Pain
Most dental emergencies cause discomfort or pain. Suppose you feel pain when chewing or biting; it could be that your teeth are broken, chipped, or cracked due to grinding your teeth. Pain can also result from an abscess. If your pain is less severe, you can use a cube of ice on the area with pain to reduce the pain or take prescribed pain relievers. If your tooth is cracked, do not chew or bite on it until you visit a dentist.
- Swelling of the gums
Swelling of your gums requires immediate medical attention. It can be a result of infection. There are no home remedies that can reduce swelling, but applying a cold compress to the cheeks can reduce the swelling. It is advisable to stay upright and drink enough water to keep you hydrated before visiting an emergency dental care for prompt medical treatment.
Importance of Emergency Dentistry
Immediate medical attention restores your teeth’ functionality, preventing permanent loss, risk of an infection, or further complications. It also reduces the pain you are experiencing, enabling you to meet your daily responsibilities. Emergency dentistry also focuses on your teeth’ aesthetic and smile; it will restore it to a beautiful and healthy one and boost your confidence at work or when with friends. Not to mention it saves you future costs and time.