Dental emergencies occur without warning; a chipped tooth, a severe toothache, or bleeding gums are just a few scenarios that can take anyone by surprise. The first and most important thing to do is remain calm. Remaining calm can help prevent the situation from worsening. Take a few moments to gather your thoughts, and assess the situation to identify where the pain is coming from. Staying composed will allow you to think rationally and take the appropriate steps to address the problem quickly.
If a tooth is completely knocked out, act quickly. Grab the tooth by the crown and avoid the root to prevent damage to the cells. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it with clean water. Let it soak, but do not scrub or use soap. If you can, place it back in the socket and hold it there. If you cannot, keep it moist in milk or a saline solution or place it in your mouth next to your cheek. It is very important to take the tooth to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes to attempt to save the tooth.
Managing Severe Toothache and Swelling
You may experience a sudden toothache because of an infection, decay, or even some food stuck in your teeth. The first thing you should do is rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This is a good way to clean the area and lower the bacteria. You should never place pain killing ointments directly on the gums, because they can cause chemical burns. It is better to take a pain killer and place a cold compress on the painful side of the mouth. This lower swelling and discomfort as well.
Some symptoms need urgent dentist in Fairfax, VA or medical care. This includes swelling that is moving to the face or neck, a fever, pus discharge, or pain that is completely intolerable. These can be a sign of a serious infection that can spread if not taken care of. If your regular dentist is unavailable, you should find an emergency dental clinic or your nearest hospital.
You can prevent a lot of dental emergencies with regular dental check ups, wearing mouth guards for sports, and avoiding certain habits like pen biting or opening packages with your teeth. The simple act of brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash can strengthen your teeth and help keep dental emergencies at bay.
