The teeth are one of the most important parts that comprise the mouth. They are known to be durable and can last a lifetime. However, there can be unexpected situations and cases wherein the teeth can become damaged, resulting in certain dental issues. Know that any injury concerning the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should never be disregarded. That is why it is a must to treat dental problems as early as possible to reduce the risk of permanent damage and the need for more extensive treatment.
When an oral issue or injury arises, it is essential to know whether the affected teeth need immediate dental care or not. Here are the common dental emergencies and what should people do when these problems occur.
Toothaches
In order to ease the pain caused by a toothache, the mouth should be rinsed thoroughly with warm water and remove any lodged food using dental floss. If the mouth is swollen, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek to reduce any swelling. Refrain from putting aspirin or any other painkiller directly or against the gums as it may burn the gum tissue.
A toothache should never be ignored and must be taken seriously; this is because it can indicate a bigger issue, which can lead to a more serious dental problem. So remember to contact the dentist as soon as possible.
Knocked-out tooth
Immediately get the knocked-out tooth by holding it by the crown. Rinse off the tooth with water and never scrub nor remove any attached tissue fragments. Then gently reinsert the tooth back into the tooth socket, but if it’s not possible, place the retrieved tooth in a small container of milk or a cup of water containing a pinch of table salt. A tooth that has been knocked out can still be inserted back by the dentist within an hour of the incident.
Chipped or broken teeth
When a tooth becomes chipped or broken, save any of its pieces. Rinse the mouth and the broken pieces with warm water. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad to the affected area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or near the damaged tooth to minimize any swelling and ease the pain. See the dentist as soon as possible.
Abscess
An abscess is an infection around the tooth roots or in the space between the teeth and gums. It is a serious condition that can affect both oral and general health, so be sure to contact the dentist as soon as possible when this occurs. In the meantime, to help ease the pain and move the pus toward the surface, rinse the mouth with mild salt water solution several times a day.
Soft-tissue injuries
Injuries involving the soft tissues in the mouth can lead to bleeding. To minimize the bleeding, rinse the mouth with a mild water solution and apply pressure to the bleeding site using a moist gauze pad or a tea bag for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Then, hold a cold compress to the outside of the affected area for at least 5 to 10 minutes to control the bleeding and relieve pain. If bleeding persists, see the dentist immediately. Continue to apply pressure on the bleeding site until it has been examined and treated.
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