Similar to any other dental problem, emergencies can also happen at any time. For that reason, it’s important to always be equipped with the knowledge on what to do in these kinds of situations. These instances can be dangerous, and they require urgent solutions. Some examples of these include:
- A knocked-out tooth
- Broken dental braces
- Abscess in your gums
- A sudden and unbearable toothache
- A lost filling or dental crown
These issues involve bleeding, swelling, and pain, which are all uncomfortable and unbearable. So, you should be aware of what to do in a dental emergency. This will help not only in ensuring their safety but also in preventing it from getting worse. Here are some of the things you can do.
Clean It and Apply a Cold Compress
After that, clean the area by gargling warm water with salt. This is a good first aid measure to prevent infection from bacteria. If there’s pain and swelling in that part of their mouth, apply a cold compress. It’s important to use a cold compress as it constricts the blood vessels to reduce swelling in that area. This will help in temporarily relieving the pain while calling for assistance.
Put a Gauze or Cotton Ball
In some cases, the emergency may involve severe bleeding. To control it, put gauze or a clean cloth in the area while gently applying pressure. Alternatively, you can also apply cold compress to the cheek that’s near the affected area for around five to 10 minutes. It will allow a clot to develop that will stop the bleeding.
Meanwhile, if the issue involves loose wires or bands from your orthodontics, you can simply put a cotton ball in that area. This will prevent wires sticking out from scratching or poking your mouth until your orthodontist fixes it.
Store Tooth Properly
Some accidents may involve a missing or knocked-out tooth caused by trauma or injury. In this scenario, it is crucial to retrieve the fallen tooth and store it properly. Rinse it to remove the dirt and place it in a container with milk or water with a bit of salt. Make sure to bring it immediately to your dentist, as they need to put it back in place within an hour to increase the chances of reattaching it.
Call for Help
It’s important to know what to do in a dental emergency because of the urgency of the situation. You should also know where to go and ask for help if these things happen. For assistance from an emergency dentist, call Affordable Smiles. We have dental offices in Metairie, Hammond, Gretna, Baton Rouge, and Gulfport.