Dental emergencies can knock on your door anytime and when you least expect them. For example, you are preparing Sunday brunch, and your kid comes in with a knocked tooth, or you are enjoying the volleyball game on the beach, and the next minute, you know, you have a dental injury.
Whether it is a toothache, a broken or chipped tooth, or a lost filling, you must know how to handle dental emergencies at home before rushing to an emergency dental clinic in Chandler, AZ.
This blog will discuss DIY tips to help you manage common dental emergencies at home. It’s important to note that these tips are intended to provide temporary relief, and it is essential to seek professional dental care in the event of an emergency.
Toothache
There can be multiple reasons behind a toothache, such as tooth decay, something stuck between your teeth, biting on something hard, teeth grinding, etc. No matter what the reason is, here are some tips to get relief from toothache.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water. It provides instant relief.
- Try flossing your teeth gently to remove any food particles stuck in your teeth.
- Put a cold compress outside your cheeks where it hurts. It will help reduce swelling.
- Use Over-the-counter pain killers to help alleviate pain, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as it can cause irritation.
Lost Filling
If you have dental fillings, due consideration must be taken. However, the fillings might come loose due to unnecessary stress, teeth grinding, tooth decay, etc. In such case, follow the tips below;
- Clean the area gently with warm water and a cotton swab in case of lost filling.
- Gargling with salt water will keep the area clean and protect against infections.
- Keep the loose filling so your dentist can determine if it is reusable or if you need a new one.
- Book an appointment with your dentist if it bleeds or the pain is unbearable.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
An injury or biting on something extremely hard might result in a broken or cracked tooth. You might not feel the fracture, but a dental visit to the emergency dental clinic in Chandler, AZ, is advised if you feel constant pain or sensitivity. However, until your appointment, the following tips will help you alleviate the pain.
- If a part of your tooth has come apart, baring the sharp edges, cover the tooth with cotton, gum, or something soft so as not to injure your tongue and cheek.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water and take over-the-counter medication.
- If you merely feel pain and want to confirm whether it is a fracture, shine a light on the tooth to enhance the visibility of the crack.
- Don’t bite too hard on the cracked tooth.
Avulsed Tooth
An avulsed tooth is the technical term for a knocked-out tooth. A tooth has two parts- a crown and a root. The Crown is the visible part of the tooth. When the crown is completely dislodged from its position, it is called an avulsed tooth. It results in immediate bleeding and pain, and thus, it is a critical dental emergency.
Here is how to handle a knocked-out tooth:
- Whether the crown is in your mouth or dislodged, it must be saved. If it is intact, the dentist will fix it in its original place.
- Keep the crown in saline water.
- Rinse the mouth with salt water and stop the bleeding.
- Try inserting it back in its place, but if it hurts, don’t push. It might injure the roots further.
- Time is critical in case of a knocked-out tooth. So, rush to the nearest emergency dental clinic in Chandler, AZ.
Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth might result from biting down on something hard, a forceful blow, or any other trauma that causes tooth enamel to break. It might leave the tooth’s middle layer bare in severe cases, causing pain and sensitivity. A chipped tooth can be handled by following these tips:
- Keep gum or cotton on the jagged edge.
- A chipped tooth might not always cause pain but can affect aesthetics. So, consult your dentist about the options.
Final Words
Dental emergencies can be painful, and in any case, a dental visit is inevitable. However, before you get the appointment, you must do everything to relieve the pain.
Above, we’ve covered various common dental emergencies and the key tips to provide relief until your dentist can attend to you. Remember to stay composed and avoid panicking during such situations. Though easier said than done, following the outlined steps and promptly scheduling an emergency appointment with your dentist will bring you relief.
