How to Handle Dental Emergencies

Apr 7
01:59

2022

Nancy Whitman

Nancy Whitman

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The oral system is critical, as you may already know, and any infection in your mouth can harm your general health. But then, some injuries to the mouth can barely be prevented, and such conditions are known as dental emergencies. This is because they often happen as accidents, and we do not plan for them.

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However,How to Handle Dental Emergencies Articles it is vital that you treat dental emergencies immediately so they don't develop into severe health conditions. This article will highlight the common causes of dental emergencies and the best way to handle them. So, please read to the end to discover more interesting information.

What is A Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any condition involving your mouth or its constituents that requires immediate medical attention. Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, and they are often triggered by a list of conditions, including accidents, weather conditions, poor oral habits, and other factors that affect oral health. The doctor charged with handling dental emergencies is called an emergency dentist, and here are some examples of dental emergencies.

  • Toothache
  • Knocked out tooth
  • Missing tooth
  • Bleeding gum
  • Sore jaws
  • Oral injuries
  • Lodged foreign bodies between the teeth

First Aid for Dental Emergencies

Most dental emergencies are often unavoidable, especially those triggered by accidents during physical activities like sports and exercises. However, the severity of the emergency can be reduced, depending on how well you know and can deliver a dental first aid treatment. Here are some actions you can take for different dental emergencies before going to an emergency dentist.

  • Toothaches: However tempting it may be, always avoid using painkillers in these cases as they can further complicate the issue by causing bleeding. The best action to take is to rinse your mouth with warm water and immediately make your way to the dentist.
  • Broken Or Knocked Out Tooth: Make sure you do not lose your teeth before getting to the dentist. You can rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold decompresses to reduce pain and swell in the area. Place the knocked-out tooth in a cup of milk and quickly take it to your dentist.
  • Lodged Foreign Body: In such cases, you can attempt to remove the external body using dental floss gently. But you may need to consult your dentist immediately if you find that the external body is firmly lodged and cannot be removed with a string of floss.

How to Treat Dental Emergencies

All dental emergencies require immediate medical attention, regardless of how minor they are. You can adopt appropriate first aid treatments to reduce the effect of the emergency, but you must still seek professional medical attention afterward. In cases where you are on a journey or can't locate any dentist close by, you can take any of the following steps.

  1. Contact your dentist via call or email and ask what to do.
  2. Go to the nearest hospital and report your case. Some medical doctors are often well equipped with the tools and knowledge required to handle dental emergencies.

Conclusion

First aid treatment is essential for dental emergencies to ensure that the condition does not become worse. But it is only an initial treatment before the victim is taken to the dentist. The steps for handling a dental emergency have been highlighted in this article.