Dental emergencies are more common than we may want to believe. This is why you should know what to do when a dental emergency occurs. 

You should also know how to prevent dental emergencies. 

Such situations can occur when you least expect them and this is why some knowledge about handling dental emergencies can be crucial when the time comes.

Here you are going to get information about some of the most common dental emergencies and what to do when they occur. 

You will also learn how to prevent dental emergencies. 

Also Read: Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Dental Emergencies

These are some of the most common dental emergencies

Severe Toothache

Toothaches can be mind numbingly painful and when they get too bad, they are definitely a dental emergency. A toothache, if untreated, can leave one incapacitated. If your toothache is accompanied with swelling, you should certainly seek emergency dental care.

You should make sure to consult your dentist before taking any painkillers. If you need immediate relief, you need to start by taking a cold compress.

You should go to your nearest emergency dentist. You will be treated and given guidance about maintaining oral hygiene so that you can handle dental emergencies if they occur.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Many times it happens that you bite something incredibly hard. This is one of the major causes of teeth chipping. Sometimes it happens that you accidentally get a hard hit on the face. If you notice that there is bleeding that doesn’t stop, you need to visit your emergency dentist. 

There are a few things that you can do until you reach your emergency dentist. If you want to control the bleeding, you should rinse your mouth with warm water and place a piece of gauze on the bleeding site. After this, you should put a cold compress to manage the pain and swelling. 

If your tooth is broken and separated, you should make sure that it is kept safe. You can put it in a cup of milk or a cup of salty water. You need to carry this tooth to your emergency dentist’s office. 

If your tooth is still attached, you should make sure that you keep it in place gently and don’t put any pressure on it. You have to stay calm in this kind of situation. 

Your emergency dentist will handle this situation and treat you according to your case of emergency. 

Lost filling or crown 

Crowns and fillings are some of the most commonly used orthodontics. They are common because they help you restore your smile and make your teeth functional again. 

If you think that you have lost your filling or crown, you should visit your emergency dentist immediately.

Don’t try to fix this without expert help. Until you get help, you can fill the empty cavity with a piece of sugar free chewing gum. If you still have the broken piece with you, you can store it in a clear bag. 

You have to take this piece to your emergency dentist so that they can do a checkup and fix the broken piece and place it back if feasible. 

Damaged orthodontics 

It is common to see broken orthodontics. Since braces are the most widely used orthodontics in dentistry, they are also likely to get damaged. 

You may think that since dental braces are made out of metal, they are invincible and unbreakable. However, they can also get damaged and break.

It is known that broken dental braces can hurt your mouth and gums. Broken braces can also be a hindrance to your teeth straightening process. You can cover the protruded part of the wire with some dental wax. 

You can also try to put the wire into a less stressful position but don’t use anything sharp to place the wire back into its place. If you don’t have orthodontic wax, you can use a little cotton or a piece of gauze. Never try to cut the wire because it can be incredibly dangerous.

Dental Abscess 

A dental abscess is commonly caused due to dental infection. If your tooth is infected, you should see your emergency dentist immediately. An infected tooth is very painful and can cause a great deal of discomfort. 

It is dangerous if untreated. You need to immediately visit your emergency dentist if you have a dental abscess. Dental emergencies can occur anytime. This is why you should always know which emergency dentist is nearest to you. 

How to prevent dental emergencies: Easy tips

Use protective gear

If you are involved in any kind of sports or activities where you are likely to get hit in the face, you should ensure that you use a high quality mouth guard. Your teeth will be safe in case your face takes a hit during outdoor activities. 

Eat with care 

It is common knowledge that you should eat mindfully. We believe that our teeth are hard but they are not invincible. You will be surprised to know that your teeth can get chipped or even break. 

You may think otherwise but it is common for people to get a tooth chipped or cracked while biting down on hard candy. Some people break their teeth while eating hard meats or biting down on a piece of bone. 

Take care while eating and think twice before biting down hard on something hard. 

Don’t chew foreign objects 

Habits that involve chewing on objects that aren’t food can be very dangerous. You should make sure that you don’t bite anything hard like plastic because it can damage your teeth. You can get your teeth chipped if you are not careful. 

Any such object can also get lodged in your throat and cause a whole different kind of emergency. If you even find yourself in a situation, make sure you visit your nearest emergency dentist. 

Emergencies don’t come announced so you should always be prepared. You should make sure you know about your nearest emergency dentist. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Morgan hill, make sure you reach out to Morgan Hill Dentistry. 

If you want to know more about what to do in case of a dental emergency and where to go, contact us at Morgan Hill Dentistry.