Whether we like it or not, accidents and emergencies do happen—even to your mouth and teeth! And while most dental emergencies aren’t as life-threatening compared to other medical concerns, they can still get worse over time and cause other health complications. That’s why there’s still the need to address them as soon as possible.
The problem with dental emergencies is that not all of us know what to do when they happen. What if you can’t get to a dentist right away? What do you do if your face is swelling or if your tooth gets chipped or broken? To help you out, here’s a list of some common dental emergencies and what you should do in case they happen to you.
Bleeding from the Mouth
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis or gum disease. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the better. Gum disease can cause not just chronic pain and tooth loss; it may also aggravate other medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Bleeding after a dental procedure like a tooth extraction requires more immediate attention. It’s highly unusual for the bleeding to continue for several hours, so go to your dentist straight away. If it’s after hours and your dentist is not available, go to the emergency room and look for an oral surgeon. While waiting, keep your mouth elevated at all times.
Persistent Toothaches
A toothache can mean a lot of things. It could be caused by cavities or gum disease. Grinding your teeth (bruxism) also causes toothaches. Thankfully, there are simple measures that you can take to deal with the pain. For instance, rinsing your mouth with warm water may help alleviate the pain a little bit. You can also take over-the-counter analgesics three times a day for about three to four days. However, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to figure out the cause of the pain, especially if it persists for several days.
When you are experiencing extreme pain accompanied by swelling, going to the dentist right away is imperative. You may have a severe infection somewhere in your teeth, gums, or bones. For temporary relief, apply a cold compress to the affected area.
Cracked or Broken Teeth
For small cracks on your teeth, the solution will most likely be a tooth filling. If the crack is large enough, you’ll need a crown. You may experience sensitivity to both heat and cold, but this is normal and shouldn’t cause alarm. As long as you don’t feel any pain, you can wait for the sensitivity to subside on its own. You may call your dentist afterward for a more thorough check-up and treatment.
However, there are some severe cases of cracked or broken teeth that will need prompt action. For example, if there’s any swelling or bleeding, if the affected tooth has noticeably shifted in position, or if the tooth has pushed up into your gum. See your dentist right away to help repair the tooth and get treatment for the pain and swelling. If you can, save the pieces of the broken tooth or teeth and bring them to your dentist.
Injuries Near or in the Mouth
It all depends on the kind of injury. If you lightly bite or cut your tongue, for example, it will heal itself in a few days. The same goes for a bruised or cut lip. As long as your teeth aren’t broken or dislodged, you can perform first-aid measures like a cold compress to help with the pain and swelling. For larger cuts, you can go to the dentist or surgeon for proper wound care so that the injury heals correctly.
For more severe injuries like a dislocated or fractured jaw, you’ll need emergency dental attention. Don’t move your mouth and jaw too much; if possible, have someone call your dentist for you. Other injuries that need immediate treatment include excessive bleeding from soft-tissue damage and a fallen tooth due to heavy impact.
Dental emergencies are more common than you’d think. If ever you have one yourself, don’t panic! You’ll usually have enough time to administer some first-aid, as well as to make arrangements with your dentist so you can get your problem fixed right away.
This is a guest post by Dr. Douglas Kim of First Dental Care, a trusted dentist in Anaheim and surrounding areas. Outside of the office, Dr. Kim enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and their two adorable sons.