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A dental emergency can happen to anyone. Even the best dental care can’t prevent sudden pain emerging, or an accident causing a broken tooth. When this happens, your first reaction is to call the emergency dentist in Delaware, OH.  

Still, there are other steps you can take before that to ensure your oral health doesn’t suffer considerably if you act with organization and quick thinking. To help you achieve that, here’s a guide to common dental emergencies and how to act on each one to reduce the damage.

Common Dental Emergencies and How to Act

Sometimes, a lack of oral hygiene can cause dental emergencies. On other cases, it’s an unexpected accident that cause the issue. Still no matter what causes it, there are things you can do to deal with them.

Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and how to solve them!

Toothache

Toothaches are one of the worst dental emergencies you can face. They're painful and incapacitating, making it harder to conduct your daily life activities. The causes for it may be numerous, from trauma and infection to dental decay.  

If you’re facing extreme toothache, there are some things you can do:

• Give yourself a mouthwash to clean the area around the tooth and remove any potential food particles.
• To clear any debris between the teeth, gently floss the area.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling in the afflicted cheek.
• For short-term pain relief, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Aspirin is an anticoagulant and should not be taken directly against an infected tooth as it may exacerbate bleeding. If the pain continues, make an appointment to see your dentist. Putting of a toothache treatment can lead to further complications, so seek a dental appointment as soon as possible.

Cracked Tooth

Your teeth may crack at any point in your lifetime due to accidents. The extent of the damage may go from a minor fissure on the surface to a more severe fracture that forces the extraction of the tooth.

If the chip is small, you can put off getting professional assistance for a day or two. Meanwhile, avoid applying pressure to the tooth and take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. However, you should see a dentist right away if you have a large crack that is causing you pain, sensitivity, or bleeding.

When you go to the dentist, they will check the tooth and possibly take an X-ray to determine the extent of the damage. While small chips can be fixed with dental bonding, fillings or a crown, more severe cracks may necessitate a root canal or possibly tooth extraction.

Lost Tooth

Losing a tooth is anyone’s worst nightmare. However, if you take quick action after losing a tooth, you may be able to save it. First, find the missing tooth, and rinse it with water. Make sure to handle it by the crown, not touching the tooth’s root. Additionally, don’t scrub it while cleaning or remove any pieces of tissue.

After that, carefully place the tooth in its socket and bite down on a fresh piece of cloth to secure it. If you are unable to replace the tooth, moisten it with milk or saliva and bring it to the dentist within an hour.

With early medical attention, the dentist might be able to re-implant the tooth. By adding a splint to keep it in place while it heals, you may even be able to keep it. However, if the tooth has been extracted for an extended period of time, it won’t be able to be saved.

If that happens, the only alternative may be getting a dental implant or other tooth restoration techniques to replace it.

Bleeding Gums

Gum bleeding may appear to be a small annoyance, but it could be a sign of a serious problem. Bleeding gums are a clear symptom of gum disease, trauma, or even brushing too hard. To prevent it, practicing good oral hygiene is key, brushing gently but regularly and flossing daily.

If your bleeding gums do not stop after taking these steps, you should see a dentist.

Jaw Injury

If you feel pain when you open your mouth, it may be an indicator of a possible jaw injury. Other signs are pain when biting, difficulty breathing or speaking, and swelling surrounding your jaw. To prevent any complications, knowing how to treat a jaw injury properly is crucial.

If you are in pain, use an ice pack to reduce swelling in the afflicted area. Refrain from opening your mouth too wide and avoid tough foods, as these can make the injury worse. And if you are having severe pain or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.

If you regularly engage in sports or other activities, wearing protective gear, such as mouthguards or helmets, is a good idea to prevent injuries.

Object Stuck in Your Teeth

When eating, a small piece of food or other object can get stuck between your teeth. Besides being uncomfortable, it can cause swelling and lead to tooth decay, so it’s important to remove it without hurting yourself any further.

To do so, floss the affected area gently. If that does not work, try gently prying the object out with a toothpick or an interdental brush. To prevent hurting your gums, make sure to be gentle.

Additionally, you can use warm salt water as mouthwash. While salt can fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, water can help move the object. If everything else does not work and the object stays stuck, visit a dentist or dental hygienist for a dental cleaning or other options.

Find a Qualified Emergency Dentist in Delaware, OH

Several kinds of dental emergencies usually call for quick care. Being aware of them and knowing how to treat them can reduce pain, discomfort, and possible harm.

And if everything fails, a professional at Turtle Creek Dental Care can assist you. If you have any remaining doubts or are interested in learning more, give us a call!