5 Tips For Handling A Dental Emergency
It is important for everyone to see the dentist twice a year for a checkup. However, not all dental problems can wait until your six-month checkup. Certain dental issues, like a broken tooth or severe toothache, must be dealt with as soon as possible.
Here are a few tips for handling a dental emergency.
Remain Calm
When you have a dental emergency, your natural instinct may be to panic. However, this will not do you any good. In fact, panicking can make the situation even more stressful. Instead, you should try taking a few deep breaths and assessing the matter calmly.
Control Pain with Over-the-Counter Medication
If you knocked out a tooth or are experiencing a sore tooth, you may have extreme discomfort. Luckily, you may be able to alleviate some of your pain before you get to the emergency dentist's office. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These medications are designed to reduce inflammation and pain.
Go to the Emergency Dentist
Some head to the emergency room if they have a dental emergency. However, unless the injury involves severe trauma, like a broken jaw or serious bleeding, it is best to just go to the emergency dentist's office. Give the emergency dentist's office a quick call before you leave to give them a head's up.
Save a Knocked Out Tooth
If you knocked out a tooth, it can be shocking. However, if you act quickly, you may be able to save the tooth. Before you head to the emergency dentist's office, you should place the tooth in a container with milk to preserve it. If you see an emergency dentist soon enough, they may be able to save your tooth
Prevent Future Dental Emergencies
Sometimes dental emergencies just happen, but you may be able to take steps to avoid them in the future. For example, you should never use your teeth to open things, as that can cause cracked and broken teeth. It is also important to brush and floss daily to reduce your risk of tooth decay.
If you play sports, do not forget to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
While a dental emergency can be stressful, knowing what to do can make the situation a little easier. If you think you have a dental emergency, you should give an emergency dentist a call as soon as possible.
Contact your dentist for more information about emergency dental services.
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