Dental emergencies can strike at any time. Whether it’s a cracked tooth from playing sports, a sudden toothache, or a lost filling or crown, these emergencies can cause a lot of anxiety and discomfort. In order to minimize pain and stress in the case of a dental emergency, it’s important to be prepared and know the best ways to handle these situations. Keep reading to learn what you should do if you experience one of these seven common dental emergencies.

#1. Toothache Troubles

One of the most common dental emergencies is a sudden toothache. Toothaches can happen for many reasons, but there are things you can do to alleviate the pain until you can see the dentist. If you have a sudden toothache, start by rinsing your mouth with warm water. Then, gently floss around the affected tooth to ensure there is no debris that could be causing pain or discomfort. 

Over-the-counter pain relievers and topical oral anesthetics can provide temporary relief from a toothache; however, you should never place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum, since it can cause chemical burns. 

To determine the cause of the issue and receive professional treatment, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

#2. Knocked-Out Tooth

Knocked-out teeth can happen for many reasons, including sports injuries, falls, and accidents. If one of your teeth gets knocked out, time is of the essence. Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown, avoiding touching the root. If the tooth is dirty, you can rinse it with saline solution or milk, but do not use soap or scrub it. If possible, try to put the tooth back into the socket, holding it in place with some gauze. If this isn’t feasible, you can also store the tooth in a container of milk.

Head to the dentist’s office or an emergency room immediately. Tooth reattachment has the greatest chance of success within the first hour of the incident.

#3. Cracked or Chipped Tooth

If you crack or chip one of your teeth, you should rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. After that, you can use a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling and inflammation. If you’re experiencing pain due to a cracked or chipped tooth, you can take some over-the-counter pain relievers to find relief. 

Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Even minor cracks can lead to more serious problems, like infections.

#4. Lost Filling or Crown

If one of your fillings or crowns falls out, you can temporarily reattach it with some dental adhesive, which can be found at most drugstores. However, this is only a temporary solution. It’s important to see your dentist soon so they can provide a proper, more permanent solution.

#5. Object Stuck Between Teeth

If something gets stuck between your teeth, do not use a sharp object to try to remove it. This can damage your teeth or gums. Instead, try gently dislodging it with some dental floss. If this doesn’t work, don’t force it. Reach out to your dentist for help.

#6. Soft Tissue Injuries

Accidents can cause damage to the soft tissues in your mouth. If you have a puncture, tear, or cut on your gums, lips, cheek, or tongue, rinse your mouth with warm water, then apply a clean cloth or gauze to control the bleeding. If the bleeding persists or the injury seems severe, seek immediate help from a medical professional.

#7. Orthodontic Discomfort

Although they are helpful solutions for many problems, braces and other orthodontic appliances often cause discomfort. If your braces or wires are causing cuts or sores on the inside of your mouth, you can use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp or rough edges. 

If a wire is sticking out and causing you pain, it can be tempting to try to cut it; however, doing so is dangerous, since you could accidentally swallow or inhale it. Instead, try pushing it back in with a pencil eraser, then contact your orthodontist for further guidance.

Professional Care for Dental Emergencies

At the office of Dr. Eric Felt, we are proud to offer high-quality care to our patients experiencing dental emergencies. Whatever your dental needs are, we can help! Our professional team knows how to handle any situation, so you can be sure your oral health is in good hands. For the best dental care around, contact us to schedule an appointment today!