Properly Handling Dental Emergencies

Posted on: October 30, 2014 | Blog

Anytime you injure your teeth or gums, it should not be taken lightly. Depending on the extent of the issue, dental injuries could be very dangerous and if left untreated, could lead to permanent damage. Here’s a look at what you should do if you experience any of these very common dental emergencies.

man suffering dental emergency toothache

Toothaches

Toothaches are without a doubt the most common dental problem people deal with. If you have a toothache, the first thing you should do is rinse out your mouth using warm water. If you have any food lodged in between your teeth, get it out by using dental floss. In some cases, your mouth may become swollen when you have a toothache.

If your mouth does become swollen, place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Avoid using any painkillers such as aspirin against or near the area that is aching, as doing so could cause the gum tissue to burn. Sometimes, the toothache will go away in a few days. However, it is still recommended you go see a dentist as soon as you can.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

This is another very common dental emergency. If your tooth is chipped or broken, be sure to save any pieces you can. Rinse both your mouth and the broken pieces with warm water. If you are bleeding, use gauze and apply it to the area until you stop bleeding. To help relieve pain and keep the swelling down, use a cold compress. Also, make sure to get to an emergency dentist as soon as you can.

Abscess

When you have an abscess, it means you have an infection either at the root of your tooth or between your gums and teeth. An abscess is a very serious condition that can damage both the tissue and the teeth surrounding it. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body. It is very important that you get to a dentist immediately and have your mouth looked at.

As soon as you discover a swelling on your gums that looks like a pimple, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Unfortunately, abscesses can be very painful. To help alleviate some of the pain, rinse your mouth with a mild salt water solution consisting of 8 ounces of water and a half a teaspoon of table salt. You should do this several times a day.

Dental emergencies can be a nuisance, but need to be checked out as soon as possible. For more information on dental emergencies and services, give us a call at (702) 388-8888 today.