Life happens, and sometimes, it happens to your teeth. Whether it’s a rogue popcorn kernel, a sports mishap, or a sudden ache, dental emergencies can be a little scary and often quite painful. Knowing what to do in those first few moments can make a big difference in the outcome.
Here’s what to do when a dental crisis strikes, so you can feel prepared, not panicked.
The Sudden Toothache
What it is: A persistent, throbbing, or sharp pain in your tooth. It might come on suddenly or gradually worsen.
What to do:
- Rinse: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean out any food debris.
- Floss: Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth.
- Pain relief: If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum, as it can cause a chemical burn.
- Cold compress: A cold compress or ice pack on the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Get in touch: A toothache can signal a cavity, infection, or other serious issue. Don’t ignore it – give us a call right away.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
What it is: A piece of your tooth has broken off, or there’s a visible crack. This often happens from biting something hard or from an accident.
What to do:
- Rinse: Rinse your mouth immediately with warm water to clear the area.
- Save the pieces: If you can find any broken pieces of the tooth, collect them. Place them in a small container with milk or saliva to keep them from drying out, then bring them with you to your appointment.
- Stop bleeding (if any): If there’s any bleeding, apply a small piece of gauze to the area and hold it there for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
- Cold compress: To help with swelling and pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek near the injured tooth.
- Call us: Even if it doesn’t hurt, a chipped or broken tooth needs professional attention to prevent further damage or infection.
Knocked-Out Tooth: Time is of the Essence!
What it is: Your entire tooth (a permanent one, not a baby tooth) has been knocked out of its socket. This is a serious emergency!
What to do:
- Find the tooth: Handle the tooth only by the crown (the chewing part), not the root. Touching the root can damage the delicate tissue that helps it reattach.
- Gently rinse: If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water – do NOT scrub it or remove any attached tissue.
- Try to reinsert: If you can, try to gently push the tooth back into its socket. Bite down softly on a piece of gauze or a wet tea bag to hold it in place.
- Keep it moist: If you can’t get it back into the socket, it’s crucial to keep the tooth moist. The best options are to store it in a cup of milk, or if that’s not available, in a cup of your own saliva. Do NOT store it in plain water, as the root cells can be damaged.
- Get to us FAST: Time is critical for saving a knocked-out tooth. Call us immediately and get to our office as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes to an hour.
Lost Filling or Crown
What it is: A dental filling has fallen out, or a crown has come loose or off completely.
What to do:
- Save the crown: If your crown came off, find it and bring it with you.
- Clean the area: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Temporary fix (for crowns): You can try to temporarily re-seat the crown using a dental adhesive, toothpaste, or even sugar-free gum, but this is very temporary. Do not use superglue!
- Pain relief: If the tooth is sensitive, an over-the-counter pain reliever can help.
- Get in touch: Your tooth is exposed and vulnerable to sensitivity and further decay. It needs to be covered and protected as soon as possible.
Object Caught Between Teeth
What it is: A piece of food or other object is firmly wedged between your teeth, causing discomfort.
What to do:
- Floss gently: Try to gently remove the object with dental floss. Avoid using sharp tools like toothpicks, which can push the object in further or injure your gums.
- Rinse: Rinse vigorously with water to try and dislodge it.
- We’ve got you covered: If you can’t get it out, don’t keep poking at it. We can safely remove it for you.
When in Doubt, Call Us!
Remember, these tips are for temporary relief. A dental emergency often requires prompt professional care. Don’t hesitate to give us a call as soon as an emergency arises. We’re here to help you navigate these unexpected moments and get your smile back to feeling amazing!
–
Read our previous post: Trending on TikTok: When DIY Dental Hacks Go Wrong
