Dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly, causing pain and discomfort when you least expect it. It can even disrupt your mood and your whole day because of how painful it is. If a dental emergency happens, whether it be a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or an injury to your mouth, knowing how to handle dental emergencies right off the bat can be helpful. It can also give you temporary relief until you can see a professional.
So, how do you handle dental emergencies at home? Read more through this blog to get practical tips on how to manage them effectively.
What to Do During Dental Emergencies?
Know the Signs
Dental emergencies involve different conditions that require urgent attention to manage the pain and prevent further damage. These may include:
- severe toothaches
- broken or chipped teeth
- knocked-out teeth
- abscesses
- injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth
Knowing the signs of a dental emergency is important to take action right away and provide effective management.
Importance of Prompt Action
Whenever you are faced with dental emergencies, a first aid kit and swift action are needed. Delaying the treatment can make everything worse. Otherwise, it can lead to more pain, worsen existing conditions, and compromise your overall oral health.
Seeking professional assistance is important and the best solution. However, adopting proactive measures at home can help minimise potential complications.
How to Handle Dental Emergencies at Home
Toothache Relief
Toothaches can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may result from various issues. This may include tooth decay, gum disease, or dental trauma. Here are home remedies to alleviate pain:
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water: Rinsing your mouth with salt mixed in warm water can help reduce inflammation and cleanse the affected area.
- Use Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medication can provide temporary relief. Follow the recommended dosage instructions carefully.
- Avoid Aspirin on Gums: Contrary to many people would advice, placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums is a bad idea. This can actually cause chemical burns and worsen your discomfort.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth can be distressing. Prompt action can help preserve the integrity of your tooth until you can see a dentist. Follow these steps to manage the situation:
- Rinse Your Mouth: Use warm water to clean the area and remove any debris.
- Apply a Cold Compress: Help reduce swelling and alleviate pain by applying a cold compress on the affected area.
- Control Bleeding: If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze or cloth until it subsides.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Refrain from chewing on the affected side. Moreover, stray away from eating hard or crunchy foods to avoid any more discomfort.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention to increase the likelihood of successful re-implantation. Here’s what you can do during that instance:
- Handle the Tooth Carefully: Touch only the crown (the visible part) and avoid the root.
- Rinse the Tooth: If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse the tooth with water without scrubbing or removing any attached tissue fragments.
- Reinsert the Tooth: If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket. Hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean piece of gauze or cotton.
- Store the Tooth: If reinsertion is not feasible, store the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and ring your dentist for a dental emergency.
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is one dental emergency that needs the help of a dentist fast. It is a serious dental condition involving a painful, pus-filled swelling on the gums or near a tooth’s roots.
Typically, an abscess is caused by a bacterial infection resulting from untreated tooth decay or gum disease.
Note: Do not attempt to pop your abscess yourself. Those can cause more damage and lead to even serious infections. Seek your dentist right away for prompt and better dental care.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to the lips, tongue, cheeks, or gums can occur for many reasons. They can either be through accidental falls, sports-related incidents, or trauma from biting down too hard. Luckily, these can be easily managed with home remedies. Follow these steps:
- Clean the Area: Gently rinse with warm water to remove debris and reduce infection risk.
- Control Bleeding: Apply pressure with a clean piece of gauze or cloth to control bleeding.
- Seek Medical Attention: If bleeding persists or the injury is severe, a touch of a dental pro is the next best thing you need.
Be Dental Emergency-Ready!
Knowing how to handle dental emergencies at home can make a significant difference in alleviating pain in case a dentist is not yet available. Plus, having these skills in your arsenal can come in handy one day in case a dental emergency occurs.
While home remedies can provide temporary relief, remember that they are not substitutes for professional dental care. If you experience a dental emergency, contact our dental specialists at Superior Smiles. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective emergency dental treatments to restore your comfort and confidence.
Call us right away at (08) 9254 6510 in case of any dental emergency.