How to Respond to and Avoid Dental Emergencies in the New Year

The start of a new year is a great time to have emergency plans in place. Therefore, you’ll have the assurance that you can effectively respond to any type of disaster that life may throw at you. As part of your preparatory efforts, you should know how to handle common dental emergencies. After all, one can happen when you least expect it. As you continue reading, an emergency dentist in Midwest City explains what to do for typical forms of dental trauma. Additionally, you’ll learn ways to prevent them from happening.

Toothache

If you have a toothache, the first step is to make sure that you don’t have anything lodged between your teeth. You can do this by carefully flossing around the pain site.

If there is any swelling, you can apply a cold compress to the outside of your jaw and take ibuprofen to lessen the pain.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

A bad fall or sudden impact to the face can result in a chipped or broken tooth. If you’re able to locate any of the fragmented pieces, place it in a small baggy until you can visit a dentist. Meanwhile, you should rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution and gently apply a cotton gauze to stop any bleeding.

Knocked-out Tooth

In this situation, the first step is to grab the dislodged tooth by the crown, being careful not to remove any tissue that may be attached. Next, gently rinse it under water and attempt to reinsert it. If you’re not able to do so, then store the tooth in a cup of milk or water until you can visit a dentist.

Partially Dislodged Tooth

With a partially knocked-out tooth, the priority is to prevent it from completely dislodging. Thus, you should immediately avoid any activity on that side of your mouth. For some temporary relief, you can apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek corresponding to the pain site and take ibuprofen.

Lost Crown

A lost crown can cause pain and leave your tooth exposed to debris and oral bacteria. Until a dentist can replace it properly, you can attempt to reinsert the crown by applying a dollop of toothpaste or dental wax. Whether you’re successful or not, you should avoid any activity in the area until you can be treated.

Abscess

A tooth or gum abscess shouldn’t be taken lightly, as the painful ordeal is the sign of a serious infection. If ignored, it can spread to other parts of the body. For momentary relief from the discomfort, you can take ibuprofen. You should also rinse your mouth with salt-water to help to control the infection.

The Importance of Receiving Professional Care

No matter what type of dental emergency you may have, it’s imperative that you resist the urge to panic so that you can think clearly. Even if you’re able to get some relief, it’s still important that you receive dental care so that the problem can be effectively resolved.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While it’s certainly helpful to know how to handle dental emergencies, it’s even more important to be able to prevent them from happening. Here are some key habits to implement into your lifestyle:

• Practice consistent and effective oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing at least two times a day.
• Maintain regular visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings.
• If you participate in any type of sporting event, be sure to have a custom mouthguard made to protect your teeth.

If you’re confronted with a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us at Midwest Dental Center. Our skilled team will help you recover and work with you to prevent any future problems.

About the Author

Dr. Steven Kendrick earned his dental degree from the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. In addition to treating all types of dental emergencies, he educates his patients to help them avoid these situations at Midwest Dental Center. Dr. Kendrick can be reached for more information through his website.