Tips for Dealing With Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be very serious and should not be ignored. Ignorance of dental problems increases the chance of further damage resulting in more expensive and extensive treatment. Take a look at the following dental emergencies and see what you can do now before going to the dentist:

Toothaches

• Rinse your mouth with warm water thoroughly.
• If needed, use the dental floss and remove any food lodged in there.
• If you feel that your mouth is a little swollen, apply cold compress to the outside of your cheek or mouth.
• Never put any painkiller, especially aspirin, against your gums near aching tooth as it may burn your gum tissue.

Extruded Tooth (Partially Dislodged Tooth)

• This is a serious condition and you need to get to your dentist’s clinic right away. In the meantime, apply a cold compress to outside of your cheek or mouth in the affected area.
• If needed, take an effective pain-killer like Advil or Tylenol.

Lost Crown

• Make a quick appointment with your dentist if your crown falls off. Do not forget to take your crown with you.
• Use cotton swab for applying clove oil to sensitive area if you are unable to reach your dentist and your tooth is causing a lot of pain.
• Slip that crown back over your tooth if possible. If you do so, make sure you are not using glue. Coat inner surface with the dental cement, denture adhesive or a toothpaste.

Broken Or Chipped Teeth

• Save the pieces of the chipped teeth, if any.
• Rinse the broken pieces and your mouth using warm water.
• If there is bleeding, apply a gauze piece to the affected area until bleeding stops or for around 10 minutes.
• For relieving the pain or keep the swelling down, apply cold compress to outside of your lip near the chipped/broken teeth, cheek or mouth.

Objects Caught Between The Teeth

• Use the dental floss to carefully and very gently remove the object.
• Do not, in any case, use any sharp object or a pin to poke at that stuck object. Such instruments can scratch the tooth surface or cut your gums.
• See your dentist immediately if you fail to remove the object from your teeth.

Lost Filling

• If you lose a filling, you can use a dental cement that is easily available over-the-counter until you’re able to see the dentist.

Broken Wires And Braces

• If a wire sticks or breaks out of a band or bracket and pokes your gum, tongue or cheek, try using a pencil eraser end for pushing the wire to a comfortable position.
• Cover this end with an orthodontic wax, piece of gauze or small cotton ball if you are unable to reposition the wire.
• Never cut the wire otherwise you may end up breathing or swallowing it into the lungs.

Loose Bands And Brackets

• Re-attach the loose braces temporarily with small piece of the orthodontic wax.
• You can alternatively place wax over brace for providing a cushion.
• If your band is loose, save it and immediately call your dentist to fix an appointment and have it replaced or re-cemented.