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When a dental emergency strikes, preparation and fast action are what make a successful recovery. Whether you’ve been affected by a continuous illness or an unexpected accident, receiving fast care for the teeth and gum tissue that’s been affected is vital. Just as with any medical emergency, being prepared beforehand increases the chances of a successful recovery.
Serious Dental Emergencies
Severe dental emergencies, such as a permanent adult tooth being knocked out, necessitates quick thinking and immediate care. The faster you act, the better the chances are of the tooth being saved.
The have the best chances of the tooth being saved, be sure to quickly locate and pick up the tooth while being careful not to touch the root. Then, lightly clean the tooth off in water, and place the tooth back in its socket facing in the correct direction. Hold the tooth in place with light pressure, and make your way to your dentist’s office or the emergency room for immediate treatment. In the case you’re unable to place the tooth back in its socket immediately, place it between the gum and cheek of the patient, or place the tooth in a container of cold milk.
With more serious dental emergencies where a tooth has been knocked out or loosened such as above, receiving care within six hours of the incident is vital. In the case that excessive bleeding occurs, make your way to the emergency room as quickly as possible. The good news is that the most common dental emergencies are typically issues that can be easily corrected, such as chipped and cracked teeth. If this occurs, locate the broken pieces of the tooth as they can often be reattached, and see your dentist as soon as possible. Be sure to bring the tooth fragments with you to your appointment.
Infections affecting your mouth’s soft tissues should always be treated immediately, and, depending on their severity, may require emergency medical attention. The same goes for cuts, deep scrapes, and tongue wounds that are the result of falls, sports injuries, biting too aggressively, and hot liquids. Infections can also arise from foreign items becoming stuck within the gums, which can develop into dental abscesses. These are often uncomfortable sacs that contain bacteria and that pose a risk to overall oral health when untreated.
If you experience a scrape, bite your cheek or tongue too aggressively, or encounter any other injury to your mouth’s cheek tissue, you should always wash your mouth with diluted salt water. Remove any foreign contaminants with a toothpick or floss, and control any bleeding with a warm, damp cloth being placed directly on the bleeding. If either of these methods do not affectively remove the foreign particles or stop the bleeding, make your way to your dentist’s office or the emergency room.
