RECOGNIZING AND MANAGING COMMON DENTAL EMERGENCIES

Dental checkups and good oral hygiene are important for maintaining the health of your teeth, but these steps aren’t always enough to prevent a dental emergency. The following are common problems treated by emergency dentists in Belmont:

Lost Restoration

If you lose a filling see a dentist as soon as possible. If a crown comes loose, then try to put it back in place and use denture adhesive or toothpaste to hold it in place until you can get to a dentist.

Knocked-Out Tooth

When a permanent tooth is knocked out, you should handle it only by the crown and not touch or remove the root or any tissues attached. Then, gently rinse the tooth in a cup of water to dislodge any debris. Next, try to place the tooth back in the socket or keep it tucked between your cheek and gums. If the tooth belonged to a child, then store it in a container of water, milk, or saliva to prevent choking. Finally, see a dentist immediately.

Toothache

For a toothache, start by rinsing your mouth with warm water. Next, use dental floss around the painful tooth to dislodge any food particles that may be the source of your pain. If there is any swelling in the area, then apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek or mouth. You should never put painkillers on a painful tooth because this can damage your gums. If your pain persists, then you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

Broken Tooth

If you have a broken or chipped tooth, start by collecting any pieces, rinsing them off, and placing them in a container to take with you to the dentist. Next, rinse your mouth with warm water and place gauze on the area if there is any bleeding. If your mouth, lip, or cheek is injured, then apply a cold pack outside of your mouth and then see your dentist right away.