A dental emergency should be taken very seriously. Sometimes it may be gum related or just tooth related, it doesn’t matter what it is- you should take it seriously and handle it as quickly and with the most care possible. Here is a breakdown of the types of dental emergencies and methods to use when handling them:

  1. Toothaches: You should rinse your mouth with warm water or salt water then use dental floss to clear any food that may be stuck between the teeth. For cases where the mouth may be swollen, you should cold compress the area. The use of aspirin or a painkiller is not advised. First, thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm water. If the problem persists you should visit the dentist as soon as possible.
  2. Chipped/Broken teeth: This is an unfortunate event, if there are any pieces of tooth around make sure to save them. Rinse the mouth properly using warm water and rinse broken pieces as well. If there is any bleeding then you should apply gauze to the spot until the bleeding stops, and then apply a cold compress to the outside of the affected area. See a dentist as soon as possible.
  3. Knocked out tooth: Find the tooth and save it. You should then wash the tooth and take care to remove any attached tissue pieces that may be left on it. Store the tooth in a small container of milk or salt. If your mouth area is swollen apply a cold compress and see a dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you visit the dentist after the tooth has been knocked out, the higher the chances are of saving the tooth.
  4. Partially dislodged tooth: You need to visit your dentist immediately. Your tooth can still be saved, but you need to visit the dentist quickly. If you are in pain which is the case most times, cold press the area or take an Advil.
  5. Something stuck between teeth: Try to use dental floss to remove it, if that fails you should visit the dentist. The common idea is using a pin or a knife to remove it- this is a very bad idea as your gum can be damaged in the process. Choose the safe route and visit the dentist.
  6. Lost a filling: If you lose a filling you should get dental cement to fill the area until you visit the dentist.
  7. Lost crown: This is a very delicate and tricky emergency. When you lose a crown it is best to see your dentist immediately. To ease the pain you should try clove oil on the area. You can also try to put the crown back on- if that fails try coating it with dental cement or toothpaste.
  8. Broken braces or wires: When this happens your only options are to try to reposition the broken piece into a more comfortable spot. This may involve covering the ends of the wires or broken brace with cotton or pushing it into a more tolerable position until you visit the dentist. Do not attempt to cut the brace or wire.

Please contact call us immediately at(850) 542-4428 if you have a dental emergency.