Did you know that toothaches cause a majority of all dental emergencies? Taking care of your teeth is one of the most important things you can do for your body. You risk tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and even tooth loss without proper dental care.
However, 1 in every 4 American adults has untreated tooth issues. These can have a tangible impact on your daily life and, if left untreated, would severely impact your health. That’s why it’s critical to know the best thing to do if you have a dental emergency and need an appointment fast.
Keep reading to learn everything you can do if you or a family member is experiencing dental issues and when to contact an emergency dentist.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Knowing what dental problem is considered an emergency before calling an emergency dentist is essential. Here are a few of the dental situations you should be aware of and when to reach out to a 24 hour emergency dentist:
Chipped Tooth
If you have a dental emergency like a severely chipped tooth, you can rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth. You can also take ibuprofen to help with the pain and swelling. You can visit your dentist or an emergency room if the pain is severe.
Cracked Tooth
If you have a cracked tooth, it is important to seek dental care as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the crack, you may be able to repair the tooth with a filling or crown. However, if the crack is severe, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Toothache
If you have a toothache, try flossing to remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. If the pain persists, take over-the-counter pain relievers and see your dentist as soon as possible.
Loose Tooth
If you have a loose tooth, try to wiggle it gently with your fingers. If it is too loose, you may need to see a dentist to have it removed. If the tooth is only slightly loose, you can try to push it back into place with your tongue.
In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and brush and floss carefully around the tooth.
Bleeding
If you have a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist. If you are bleeding in the mouth, you should rinse your mouth gently with warm water and apply pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth.
Avoid drinking or eating anything until the bleeding has stopped. You may need to seek medical attention if the bleeding does not stop.
When to Seek Treatment
If you have a dental emergency that causes extreme pain, you must immediately call your dentist or go to the emergency room. You should also try rinsing your mouth with warm water and taking ibuprofen for the pain. If you have extreme symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek treatment.
Reach Out to Emergency Dentists for Your Dental Emergencies
If you have a dental emergency, you should call your dentist immediately. If you can’t reach your dentist, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. These emergencies may be scary and severe, but if you have the right emergency dentist, you should not worry at all.
If you want to find amazing content, check out the rest of our blog for more guides today!