Our teeth and gums are some of the most sensitive parts of our bodiesbecause they have so many nerve endings.When it comes to protecting our dental health, it is crucial that we all know what to do in a genuine emergency.
Emergencies come in all shapes and sizes and you do need to be well-prepared to act if you need pain relief or medical attention at short notice. Here are a few tips we have put together to help you.
Don’t panic!
The best thing to do in an emergency is not to panic. The second best thing to do is to not jump to conclusions. Depending on the type of emergency you are facing, you may be able to take cautious remedial action athome.
Severe toothache
Toothache can be an indicator of many problems. You might also have a swollen mouth or your gum could be bleeding. The best thing to do if the pain is severe is to gargle with a warm water salt solution to help fight infection.
If you are unsure what the cause of your toothache might be,call a dental practitioner as soon as possible. Take simple painkillers in the meantime but do not apply any pain relief directly to the area.
Lost or dislodged teeth
If you have lost a tooth it is important to try and find it. Pick it up by the head – never the root. Once you have cleaned the root, try to place your tooth back in your gum. You should only try to hold it in place gently.
Tooth loss is a common dental emergency which many dental practitioners can help with. Make sure to call or attend a clinic as soon as possible. Your tooth may still be salvageable. They can give you professional advice on the best course of action, and if necessary replace any lost or damaged teeth.
Tooth chipping
If you have accidentally broken a tooth, make sure to keep any pieces you can find and clean them with water. Do make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly and attempt to stop the bleeding with sterile wadding.
Get in touch with a dentist or emergency service as soon as possible. You may be able to have your tooth filled at short notice. In the meantime, protect your outer mouth and face with ice or a cold flannel and take painkillers.
Abscesses
Abscesses are extremely painful. These oral infections must be treated as soon as possible as they can cause further detriment to your health because they are filled with pus. They look like a boil or a pimple.
Never try to pop an abscess. A dentist or practitioner will help to take immediate action to treat and/or drain the area. An abscess is usually associated with an infected tooth orwhere gums are receding.
Conclusion
It pays to understand what to do when dental emergenciesarise. If they cannot be dealt with at home it is necessary to call a local specialist as soon as you can.