Constituted by any event which requires the immediate attention and intervention of a medical professional, dental emergencies are rare occurrences capable of visiting even the most careful of us. Usually consisting of dislodged or knocked out teeth, uncontrollable bleeding, trauma to the mouth, and of course severe amounts of pain. – Common Dental Emergencies
While not common in occurrence, when they do happen, dental emergencies can be dire situations which require the immediate attention of a dental professional. The most typical of culprits which create an emergency are usually accidents while travelling or intense physical activity through certain sports.
Let’s review crucial information regarding some of the most frequent dental emergencies and what actions to take if they occur.
Bleeding Gums
A common occurrence, bleeding gums can be unsettling and moreover, a signal of a more serious underlying condition. If regular and routine brushing and flossing causes your gums to bleed, it could be due to a variety of causes, however- it fundamentally means your gums are not in their optimal state as they intended to withstand normal amounts of friction and pressure seamlessly.
Bleeding gums may be the result of pregnancy, brushing too vigorously, or a sustained injury which has caused inflammation. It may also be an indicator of periodontal (gum) disease, typically representing the earlier stages of gingivitis!
If you observe blood after flossing, try rinsing your teeth with hydrogen peroxide or a salt and warm water mixture to help control bleeding and reduce the presence of potential bacteria which could be the culprit. If the bleeding is excessive in nature, it’s recommended to rush to a dentist or emergency clinic immediately, if possible, especially if the bleeding gums are the result of a sustained injury!
Dislodged or Knocked Out Teeth- Common Dental Emergencies
An unfortunate event for many patients who participate in contact sports such as football, boxing, or even soccer. This occurs when substantial force trauma is applied to the face, and results in a tooth breaking free of its positioning within the jawbone.
It’s important to always remain calm during situations like these, while serious it’s nothing that immediate professional attention cannot restore thanks to the power and processes of the dental industry.
After a tooth is knocked out, be sure to pick it up grasping only the top (crown) part avoiding the delicate roots on the underside. If you are able to place it back in your jaw within the correct socket, then do so carefully to ensure the tooth remains moist in this interim period. If this is unfeasible, try placing the tooth in a fresh glass of milk while you transport yourself to your dentist office or local dental emergency clinic. If you have no milk at your disposal, place the tooth in your mouth above the socket area and hold it there in place in the meantime.
All of this information is to ensure the tooth remains in a moist environment while it’s outside of your smile’s arsenal. Keep in mind, there is a timeframe you have to work with. As knocked out teeth may generally be reattached within thirty minutes or so!
Toothache
If you’re suffering from a tooth ache its crucial to receive a professional opinion as soon as possible! However, in the meantime, there are a few remedies to assist in alleviating some of the discomfort a toothache entails.
Try utilizing a hydrogen peroxide or warm saltwater rinse to cleanse any oral cavities or tooth decay which may be triggering this pain. Garlic, peppermint tea bags, and even vanilla extract are helpful tools to numb pain while also soothing sensitive gums as well. Additionally, thyme oil and water dripped onto a cotton wool can alleviate the pain of a toothache when applied directly to the area.
If a toothache is severe, please book an urgent appointment with your dentist! If you haven’t participated in a routine checkup in a substantial amount of time, this toothache could indicate a more systemic issue has developed and progressed thanks to the lack of professional guidance. If that’s the case, its recommended you visit an emergency clinic as you could potentially be suffering from severe gum disease or other ailments which require immediate attention.
Pain
Virtually all dental emergencies will constitute some amount of pain and discomfort throughout the smile and jaw. The nature of the pain dictates the severity of the situation, and how it should ultimately be handled.
Teeth can potentially crack or chip due to excessive grinding, trauma, or poor oral care- causing pain when biting or speaking. An abscessed gum will also be the culprit of severe pain and the indicator of severe gum disease and possible tooth decay. While these are only assumptions, if your pain is unbearable don’t toughen it out, visit an emergency clinic or book an appointment with your professional as soon as possible!
On the other hand, if the pain is manageable and possibly the side effect of another already dealt with condition, try taking prescribed antibiotics or pain relievers, or icing the area in question.
Remember…
The best way to avoid dental emergencies is to remain safe and cautious during any activities which have potential to harm your smile. Furthermore, the most reliable methods to bolster the strength of your smile are; routine and effective oral care habits, proper diet and lifestyle choices, and semiannual professional checkups to ensure your teeth are on the right track.
While our teeth pose as durable and convenient tools, try not to use them negligently. Many people will use their teeth as tools to open a bottle or rip off a stubborn package. Please avoid doing this, our teeth are powerful but are not designed for these functions, which pose a risk for a potential dental emergency!
If you have a dental emergency, or are in need of a dental professional’s guidance please call our office immediately to speak to one of our helpful team members on next steps!
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