A dental emergency can be hectic. Knowing what to do when you are hit by a toothache is essential. Dental emergencies can occur at any time. Having the appropriate information and taking prompt action can make all the difference.
Let’s learn how to deal with a dental emergency and which steps to follow. Keep on reading if you are seeking urgent dental care in London.
How Urgent Is Your Dental Emergency?
Assessing the urgency of a dental emergency calls for a careful evaluation by a dental professional. Dental emergencies can vary in severity, which can be from mild discomfort to unbearable pain. Make sure you seek immediate dental care if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain: Intense and persistent toothache or oral pain that affects your daily activities and does not subside with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Swelling: Visible swelling or inflammation in the gums, face, or jaw, which can be a sign of infection or abscess.
- Bleeding: Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, particularly after an injury or trauma.
- Broken teeth: If a tooth is fractured, cracked, or completely knocked out, immediate dental attention is necessary for the best chance of saving the tooth.
- Dental infections: Symptoms such as fever, facial swelling, pus discharge, or a foul taste in the mouth may indicate a dental infection that requires immediate treatment to prevent it from spreading.
- Dental trauma: Any significant injury to the teeth, jaw, or soft tissues of the mouth resulting from accidents or sports-related incidents should be evaluated by a dental professional.
Steps You Can Do to Tackle Dental Emergency at Home
If you have a dental urgency, there is no need to be panic. You can always use some tips to navigate through this painful time. They include:
- Toothache: Daily Rinse your mouth with Luke warm water and gently floss your teeth around the affected tooth area. This helps to remove any trapped food particles. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums as it can cause irritation. Have some over-the-counter pain relievers to get strong tooth pain relief.
- Broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and make sure you clean the area properly. If there is any bleeding on tooth, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth to stop the flow of bleeding. If possible, save any broken tooth fragments. Avoid putting pressure on the damaged tooth until you can see a dentist.
- Knocked-out tooth: If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown. Do not touch the root. Make sure you rinse the tooth gently with water. Make sure you do not remove any fragments of the tissue. If you can, re-insert the tooth into the gum socket. If not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a clean container and see a dentist immediately.
- Dental abscess: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. Avoid applying heat or cold directly to the affected area. Make sure you see a walk-in emergency dentist in London as soon as possible.
- Lost filling or crown: If a filling or crown comes loose or falls out, you can apply a temporary dental cement to cover the exposed area. Avoid eating and chewing on that side area of your mouth and keep that area clean.
- Object stuck between teeth: If something gets stuck between your teeth, try using dental floss to gently remove it. Avoid using sharp objects or excessive force, as this can damage your gums or teeth. If you are unable to remove the object, see a dentist for assistance.
- Bleeding gums: If you have bleeding gums, rinse your mouth with mild saltwater to help reduce bleeding. Gently apply pressure to the area with a clean gauze or cloth. Avoid aggressive brushing or flossing around the affected area until you can see a dentist to determine the underlying cause.
- Abscessed tooth: You can suffer from severe pain from an abscessed tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to reduce discomfort and help draw out any pus. OTC pain relievers are helpful. Seek dental care as soon as possible to treat the infection.
- Broken braces or wires: If a wire or bracket from your braces breaks or becomes loose, use orthodontic wax (available at pharmacies) to cover the sharp or protruding ends temporarily. Contact your orthodontist for advice.
- Temporary tooth sensitivity: If you experience temporary sensitivity after dental procedures (such as fillings or teeth whitening), avoid consuming hot or cold foods and drinks for a few days. Stick to soft, room temperature foods and use a desensitizing toothpaste as recommended by your dentist.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Preventing dental emergencies is essential for maintaining good oral health. Here are some tips to help minimize the risk of dental emergencies:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth gently twice a day using a trusted brand fluoride toothpaste. Thus, you can make sure that there is no dental emergency.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings allow your dentist to identify and address any potential dental problems before they become emergencies. Aim for dental visits at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist.
- Wear protective gear for sports: If you participate in contact sports or activities with a risk of dental injuries, wear a mouthguard. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist offer the best protection for your teeth and jaw.
- Be cautious with hard foods: Be mindful when consuming hard foods like popcorn kernels, nuts, or hard candy. Biting down on hard objects can lead to cracked or broken teeth.
- Avoid excessive force when brushing: Brushing your teeth vigorously or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and damage gum tissue. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions for effective cleaning.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, do not hesitate to contact a dental professional at Emergency Dentist London Pro. We have the expertise to provide the necessary care and guidance based on your specific situation. Be sure to connect with us to schedule a consultation.
