Injuries to your gums or teeth, oral disease and other dental emergencies are something you shouldn’t ignore. If left unchecked can cause permanent damage, and may even lead to other painful and serious health problems.
Dental emergencies can happen so quickly that you’re not sure what just happened. This can make it difficult to know what step to take next. In this post, we will outline the definition of a dental emergency and what to do if you find yourself in one.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
There is no one definitive answer to this question since any situation that results in an injury or pain in your mouth can be considered an emergency. However, some dental emergencies are more severe than others and will require immediate attention from a dentist or medical professional. Dental emergencies include:
- Toothaches
- Cracked teeth
- Broken teeth
- Loss of permanent tooth
- Bleeding from your mouth
- Oral disease
- Impacted teeth
- Injured gums, tongue or lips
Dental Emergency Tips
While troubling, dental emergencies are common. As such, it is important to know what to do in that situation. Here are some steps you can follow during the time you’re waiting for treatment.
Breathe Deeply
When in pain, breathing may seem difficult, but it is crucial that you try and stay calm. When we get anxious, our heart rate begins to rise which can result in more pain. Take some time to do some deep breathing exercises until the pain subsides or you are able to get to a dentist.
Access the situation
If you are unsure whether you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is best to assess the situation. Look for any bleeding and check to see if the pain is throbbing or constant. Taking stock of the situation will help you determine how to proceed.
Be sure to give your dentist to call, as they will be able to help you assess the urgency of your situation and give you specific instructions.
Store your tooth safely
If you have an injury leading to a loss of one of your permanent teeth, it is crucial that you find and store the tooth properly. This is because your dentist may be able to save your natural tooth and reattach it. Do not try to reattach the tooth yourself as this can damage the root.
Staunch bleeding
If you are bleeding, use a clean cloth to apply pressure to the area. This will help to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not subside, seek medical attention immediately as this could be indicative of a more serious problem.
Tooth Injury Prevention
While some emergencies cannot be avoided, there are a number of things you can do to minimise the risk of injury and emergencies. These include:
- Watch what you eat, as hard foods can crack your teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports and related activities.
- Avoid using your teeth to open packages.
- Don’t chew on items that aren’t food such as pen caps and fingernails.
Your Emergency Dentist
Noosa Family Dental are leading emergency dentists dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care. Their team of skilled professionals are on hand to deal with any type of dental emergency. They work quickly and efficiently to get you the treatment you need. Get in touch today.
