Accessibility Tools

How to Handle a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, whether you’re biting into something hard, playing sports, or simply going about your day. Knowing how to handle a dental emergency quickly and effectively can make a big difference in minimizing pain, preventing further damage, and preserving your teeth. In this blog post, we’ll cover the most common dental emergencies and the steps you should take to handle them until you can see a dentist.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth (also called an avulsed tooth) is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Acting quickly increases the chance of saving the tooth.

Steps to take:

  • Find the tooth: Carefully pick it up by the crown (the part that you normally see), avoiding the root.
  • Rinse gently: If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water. Do not scrub or use soap, and do not dry the tooth.
  • Reinsert the tooth: If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket immediately. Hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean piece of cloth or gauze.
  • Keep the tooth moist: If you can’t reinsert it, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or saline solution. If neither is available, hold the tooth between your cheek and gums or use water as a last resort.
  • See a dentist immediately: Time is critical. Try to see a dentist within 30 minutes to increase the chances of saving the tooth.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth can cause pain and make the tooth vulnerable to further damage or infection.

Steps to take:

  • Rinse your mouth: Use warm water to rinse the area and clean away any debris.
  • Apply cold compress: If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling.
  • Save any pieces: If possible, collect any broken pieces of the tooth and bring them with you to the dentist.
  • Cover sharp edges: If the broken tooth has sharp edges that are irritating your mouth, cover it with a piece of sugarless gum or dental wax to protect your mouth until you can see a dentist.
  • Call your dentist: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to assess the damage and determine if you need a filling, crown, or other treatment.

Severe Toothache

Toothaches can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. If you’re experiencing a severe toothache, it could indicate a serious issue, such as an infection, abscess, or tooth decay.

Steps to take:

  • Rinse with warm salt water: Mix a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gently swish it around your mouth to reduce inflammation and cleanse the area.
  • Floss carefully: Gently floss around the tooth to make sure no food particles are stuck between your teeth or gums, which could be causing irritation.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relief: Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as this can burn the tissue.
  • Cold compress: If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10-15 minutes at a time.
  • Call your dentist: Toothaches rarely go away on their own. Contact your dentist to schedule an exam and find out the root cause of the pain.

Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a filling or crown can expose the affected tooth to damage and sensitivity.

Steps to take:

  • Keep the area clean: Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
  • Save the crown: If the crown has come off, try to save it and bring it to your dentist.
  • Temporary adhesive: If you can’t see your dentist immediately, use dental cement (available at most drugstores) to temporarily reattach the crown or cover the area to protect it.
  • Avoid chewing on the affected side: Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the side of the lost filling or crown until you can see a dentist.
  • Call your dentist: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have the filling or crown replaced or repaired.

Abscess or Infection

A dental abscess is a painful infection that usually forms at the root of a tooth or between the gum and tooth. It’s a serious condition that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Steps to take:

  • Rinse with salt water: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to help draw out the infection and reduce pain.
  • Pain relief: Take over-the-counter pain medications to help manage the discomfort.
  • Apply a cold compress: If swelling is present, apply a cold compress to the outside of the affected area.
  • See your dentist immediately: An abscess requires prompt treatment, as it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Your dentist may need to drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics.

Object Stuck Between Teeth

Sometimes food or other objects can get lodged between your teeth, causing discomfort or even pain.

Steps to take:

  • Gently floss: Carefully use dental floss to remove the object. Avoid using sharp tools, like toothpicks or pins, as these can damage your gums or teeth.
  • Rinse with warm water: Swish warm water around your mouth to help dislodge the object and cleanse the area.
  • See your dentist if needed: If you’re unable to remove the object yourself or if the area becomes irritated or painful, contact your dentist for assistance.

Injury to the Soft Tissues

Injuries to the lips, cheeks, or tongue can result in bleeding and discomfort.

Steps to take:

  • Clean the area: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash to cleanse the area.
  • Stop the bleeding: Use a clean cloth or gauze to apply gentle pressure to the bleeding area. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10-15 minutes, seek medical attention.
  • Apply a cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling and numb the area.
  • See a dentist or physician: If the injury is severe or the bleeding doesn’t stop, visit your dentist or an emergency room.

Conclusion

Dental emergencies can be alarming, but knowing how to respond can help minimize pain, prevent further damage, and even save a tooth. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or another dental emergency, getting professional care quickly is key. Always call your dentist as soon as possible to receive prompt care and guidance on how to protect your oral health. And remember, staying calm and acting swiftly can make all the difference in a dental emergency!