Emergencies can happen at home, while playing a sport, or even at work. They can sometimes be overwhelming and painful, but protecting the impacted tooth is essential for it to remain a part of the smile. Dental emergencies should be handled by your dentist, but if you cannot see them right away, here are a few effective tips for treating common dental emergencies at home. Note that these do not heal the tooth, but only keep it protected and minimize discomfort until you can be seen by a qualified dental professional.
Toothaches and Pain
Persistent and severe dental pain is a sign of infection caused by decay. This can be caused by a cracked tooth that has not be restored or a cavity that has developed due to poor oral care at home. Having untreated decay can lead to a loss of the tooth if not treated early.
When looking to alleviate discomfort caused by a toothaches, seek the source of the complication. Remove irritants such as left-over food by rinsing your mouth with warm, clean water. You can also floss and gently brush teeth to remove any debris. If you find that the pain is too uncomfortable, over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can provide some relief.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
This emergency is caused by using your teeth as a tool to open something or chewing on hard items. The damage to the enamel allows bacteria to enter the inner chambers of the tooth and infect the dental pulp. Chips and cracks can be sealed with fillings or a crown to rebuild the tooth structure after all traces of infection have been removed.
At home, you can help alleviate some of the discomfort by rinsing the mouth water to remove and debris that can irritate the tooth. Be sure to keep any pieces of the tooth that may broken off from the original structure. You can purchase dental cement at any local pharmacy and apply it to the damage to keep from cutting your lips or cheeks.
Knocked Out Teeth
Knocked out teeth can impact the look and function of your smile. Depending on the extent of the damage, how the tooth was knocked out, and if all the tissues, roots, and the tooth are intact, it may be possible to place it back into the socket. However, if there is any debris or the tooth is damaged, keep the tooth in a glass of milk or tooth preservation products approved by the ADA until you can see the dentist for more comprehensive treatment.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office to schedule an appointment immediately.