Accidents happen every day and in every way. And the teeth, it seems, are no exception. From sports injuries caused by rogue baseballs to an over-enthusiastic munching on a particularly sticky piece of toffee, dental emergencies can happen to anyone. Some issues that may have the sirens flashing in your mind are actually much less serious than you think in reality.
And, on the flip side, dental emergencies that seem innocuous might actually be the ones requiring immediate attention. The right course of action, at the right time, could be the difference between a full complement of gleaming white teeth and cheeks missing a few chompers. Here then, are 7 essential steps to take in a dental emergency.
Don’t Panic
First and foremost, keep calm. Panicking will only exacerbate the situation. Take a deep breath and remember that dental emergencies are common and can be managed effectively with the right approach.
Take Pain Medication
Although a broken tooth might seem like cause for panic, a cool head (in more ways than one) is required to deal with it properly. Your tooth could be chipped, fractured or cracked and it may seem like nothing is immediately wrong with your tooth if you cannot identify where the crack is. This means that dental emergencies such as this one can sometimes go untreated for a longer period of time than they are supposed to. Nullifying the pain is the best way to locate exactly where the issue is.
So, if you’ve injured yourself and find that you have a cracked, fractured or chipped tooth, you should immediately take the correct over-the-counter pain medication in order to combat the obvious pain that will occur as a result of this injury, as well as applying ice packs to the swelling.
Apply First Aid
While you’re waiting to see your dentist, apply first aid. As the expertsg at Complete Smile, an emergency dentist in North London, tell us, if there’s bleeding, gently apply pressure with a clean cloth. If a tooth has been knocked out, handle it by the crown (not the root), rinse it with milk, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in a glass of milk until you can see your dentist.
Seek Diagnosis
Whether you’ve suffered damage during contact sport, a falling over when tipsy or, heaven forbid, a violent altercation, there are many different situations in which a dental emergency can occur.
Although it’s often difficult to self-diagnose when the issue is realted to your teeth, it’s always necessary to consult a professional in order to diagnose a problem such as this. To pre-empt action if a dental emergency occurs, check out dental practice options in your area equipped to deal with a crisis. Out-of-hours NHS services are the best bet for affordable, efficient care.
Store A Knocked-Out Tooth Or Shrapnel Correctly
Genuinely invaluable advice from Hockerill Dental, a dentist in Bishop Stortford, here; if your tooth has been knocked-out for any reason, you must save the tooth in order for your dentist to reattach it. Make sure that you wash it in either water or milk – no soap should ever be used during this process – and store it in a moist area. Make sure that the root is still intact in order for your dentist to reattach it if possible.
Avoid Eating & Drinking
If possible, avoid eating and drinking, especially hot or cold foods and beverages, as they may exacerbate the pain. If you must eat, opt for soft foods and avoid the area of the mouth that’s affected.
Remember, Prevention Is Better Than Cure
As always, it’s important to remember that emergencies are far less likely to occur if you take the necessary steps to look after your teeth in the first place. This means brushing properly and twice daily, using a fluoride mouthwash, flossing and attending regular dental check-ups.
*This blog post is intended to provide general advice and information about handling dental emergencies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. If you think you may have a dental emergency, call your dentist or your local emergency number immediately.*