When A Dental Emergency Happens

Most people remain unaware that dental emergencies are more severe than they seem. Injury to the teeth, jaw, or gums can worsen beyond repair and cause permanent damage if not dealt with immediately. Knowing what to do and where to go under such circumstances can save you from extensive and expensive treatments later on.

Here's what you should do in case of common dental emergencies:

Toothaches - Start by rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water. Then use a piece of floss to dislodge any food particles. If your mouth appears swollen, place a cold compress against your cheek. Avoid taking painkillers like aspirin without a prescription, as they can burn the gum tissue.

Broken Tooth - Rinse your mouth and the broken piece of your tooth with water, and safely place the chipped tooth in a small container. If you're bleeding heavily, place a piece of gauze against the damaged area for 5-10 minutes to soak up the excess blood. Immediately visit your dentist to see if repair is possible.

Knocked-Out Tooth - First, find the lost tooth, then holding it by the crown, place it in a container filled with milk. Do not scrub the tooth or remove attached fragments of tissue. Try to gently place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place. Knocked-out teeth are the easiest to repair; the key lies in rushing to your dentist and providing them with the lost tooth within 1 hour of the incident.

Abscess - These are serious infections that develop around the tooth of the root or in the space between the tooth and the gum. The condition is characterized by a pimple-like swelling on your gums filled with pus or fluid. This pocket serves as the breeding ground for bacteria and, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body. Visit your dental officer as early as possible. In the meantime, you can ease the pain by rinsing your mouth with mild salt-water solution 2-3 times a day

Experts at Meadows Family Dentistry are available around the clock to assist you during medical emergencies.

Knowing who to reach out to when a dental emergency happens can save you lots of stress. At Meadows Family Dentistry, we have certified dental professionals available 24/7 to provide immediate care and service to incoming patients.