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Unlike a regular health emergency, dental emergencies do not have first-aid kits that provide a band-aid solution to the problem. You might encounter accidents as a result of falling off your bike or getting into a fistfight. These incidents might result in getting cracks on your teeth or, worse, knocking off your teeth completely.
A dental issue requires looking into your teeth closely with the trained eye of a dental professional. Know that it is not an issue that can be treated with a first-aid kit. The three common dental emergencies are getting a toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or experiencing bleeding from the mouth.
In this article, we will guide you on what to do in these three situations so that you will know what to do when these incidents happen.
1. Toothaches
The most common emergency is a toothache. Every toothache, no matter how strong or weak, is usually a sign of a bigger problem. If not checked promptly, it can quickly worsen and evolve to more severe dental issues. Because of this, at the first sign of a toothache, the first step you should take is finding a way to alleviate the pain.
You can start by rinsing your mouth with warm water or apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek or mouth to help with the swelling of an inflamed tooth. If you have medications at home, you can take a pain killer or ibuprofen to help ease the pain. Keep in mind, however, that the pain killer is only meant as a temporary pain reliever. While waiting for the pain to subside, call your dentist to set an appointment.
2. Knocked-out tooth.
In the scenario of a knocked-out tooth, the first step you should take is to clean the affected areas of your mouth. Similar to any wound, your tooth will be at risk of infection if not cleaned properly. Because of this, it is important to rinse your mouth with warm water. You can also use a cold compress to help the swelling to subside.
The best remedy is to call the dentist to set an appointment with them and to ask what to do while waiting. The dentist might recommend that you don’t waste any more time and go to the nearest emergency dentist.
3. Bleeding inside your mouth.
Bleeding from your mouth is not as common as the previous two incidents. Know that gum bleeding can be caused by wounds or abrasions inside the mouth due to gingivitis or gum disease. It can also be caused by recent tooth extraction. When the bleeding does not stop, you will need to act right away and seek immediate medical assistance.
Even with the slightest signs of bleeding in your mouth, it is essential to go to the dentist right away. If you find blood in your saliva, you are likely experiencing advanced gum disease or even cancer. Consult with your dentist immediately to help assess your situation.
Conclusion
The key to handling dental emergencies is to stay calm, rinse your mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress to your cheek. Remember also to schedule an appointment with your dentist or see an emergency dentist right away if the pain is unbearable.
If you experience a dental emergency in Ann Arbor, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.
