Dental emergencies are no laughing matter. Tooth-related pain can be excruciating as well as dangerous. Knowing when to seek emergency dental care could save your tooth and your life in severe cases.
So, how do you know if your dental issue is a true dental emergency? Read on for all you need to know.
Dental emergencies requiring immediate treatment
- If a tooth has been knocked out entirely, you need urgent treatment.
- Severe pain that stops you from sleeping or eating could indicate an infection or abscess that is potentially dangerous and will need assessment and likely antibiotics.
- Gum, cheek or tongue lacerations require quick treatment to prevent infection, further problems and excessive bleeding.
- Loose and painful teeth that may fall out could leave an unsterile, bleeding whole open to infection.
- Signs of an abscess such as swelling and bleeding.
- Substantial tooth breaks or cracks.
- Unexplained bleeding or inflammation of the mouth or gums.
Dental emergencies requiring treatment as soon as possible, but not necessarily the same day.
Some dental emergencies need treatment quickly, but you can wait until your regular dentist is open. It may be wise to call an out of hours service for advice on tooth and gum care in the meantime until your treatment.
These issues include:
- A lost or damaged crown
- Damaged filling
- Mild toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Minor crack in a tooth
- Irritated but not aggressively inflamed gums
How to reduce the risk of dental emergencies occurring
A high standard of oral hygiene is the most important thing here. Brushing twice daily with a suitable toothpaste and good brush and flossing is a must. If you have any dental concerns or mild pain, do not wait for it to escalate. Book an appointment with a dental specialist, such as Shine Dental Care, to give yourself the best chance of nipping these issues in the bud.
Avoiding acidic things such as alcohol and fizzy drinks will help protect your teeth and gums, as will not smoking.
How to manage tooth pain at home
If you have a dental emergency that does not require urgent treatment, you will want to be as comfortable as possible while you wait a day or so for your treatment or appointment. You can do several things to ease mild tooth or gum pain.
- Swish your mouth out with warm water
- Use over the counter pain relief
- Avoid food or drink from reaching the area
- Keep the area as clean as possible without causing discomfort
- Book the next available dental appointment
- Check the site of the pain for stuck food
Contact Shine Dental Care for any emergency dental treatment advice on 01623 629391.