Five Common Dental Emergencies and First Aid Care
A dental emergency is any dental problem that qualifies for immediate medical attention. It could be a knocked-out tooth, an abscessed gum, or a severe toothache. These problems need to be taken care of immediately, or they may cause permanent loss of teeth, further complications like oral cancer, or require you to undergo more complicated and expensive dental procedures in the future.
Emergency dentists focus on restoring your smile, and they will control the bleeding, relieve pain and improve the aesthetic of your teeth, boosting your confidence at your workplace or on dates.
Most Common Dental emergencies
The following are the most common dental problems that require immediate medical attention and how to respond visiting our Phoenix dentist:
- Knocked-out tooth
Your participation in sports without a mouthguard or face mask can cause hefty blows to your mouth, leading to a knocked-out tooth. If your tooth is knocked out, first locate your tooth, quickly pick it up by the crown part and not the root side, and try placing it back to its socket. If you cannot do so, put it in a fresh glass of milk to keep it moistened. If there is no milk around, hold your teeth between the jawbone and the tongue until you visit your dentist.
- Severe Toothache
Toothaches are very common dental problems that need to be taken care of prevent permanently losing your teeth. If you experience a toothache, rinse your tooth with salt water or hydrogen peroxide to clean the oral cavities or reduce the swelling. You can also use vanilla extract, peppermint tea, or garlic to soothe your sensitive gums and numb your pain. Swabbing a cotton oil that contains a mixture of thyme oil and water can also reduce the pain. If your toothache, you can use prescribed painkillers and visit your dentist immediately.
- Pain
Most dental emergencies come with some degree of pain or discomfort. You can feel pain when biting down or chewing, and this could be that your teeth are chipped or cracked due to grinding your teeth. An abscessed gum can also cause pain. If it is not severe, you can use an ice pack on your cheeks to relieve the pain or take prescribed pain relievers. For severe pain, visit your dentist near you immediately.
- Bleeding gums
Experiencing blood on your toothbrush while you floss or brush your teeth can be caused by brushing too vigorously, an injury, inflammation, or pregnancy. Bleeding of gums can be a sign of gum disease or oral cancer. Rinse your teeth with warm salty water or hydrogen peroxide to control the bleeding and remove the bacteria. You can also apply a cold compress to your gum line to reduce the swelling and visit your dentist if there is no change.
- Abscessed Gum
A gum abscess is a pimple-like pocket made up of pus and bacteria caused by an infection in your gums. An abscessed gum causes toothaches, sensitivity to hot or cold food, high fever, pain, swollen face, bumps on your gums, and tender lymph nodes. It is a very serious and life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. It is advisable to visit your dentist immediately before the infection spreads to your jaw or the surrounding tissues.
How to prevent a dental emergency
You can prevent dental emergencies by adhering to the following precautions:
- regular dental flossing and brushing
- wearing a mouthguard, helmet, or face mask while participating in various sports activities
- avoiding biting hard foods or chewing ice
- do not use your teeth to open bottle sodas, instead use an opener
- use scissors to cut things instead of your teeth
- regular dental checkups and cleaning to remove food debris, plaque, or tartar that may cause an infection
- use a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen your tooth’s enamel.
- Avoid intake of a lot of sugary foods
Finding an emergency dentist near you in Phoenix, AZ
If you need a dentist in Phoenix, Arizona, visit All Smiles Dental Care. Our services include emergency, cosmetic, preventive, and general dental care. We have very compassionate and highly skilled staff ready to offer you and your family the immediate care you need. Call us today to book an appointment.