Like other body parts, teeth also encounter emergencies that require urgent attention. However, most people are unaware of how they should handle emergency dental situations, so they may panic or do something that would do more harm than good.

In this article, we will look into the most common dental emergencies and what you should do to solve them.

Sudden trauma to a tooth, such as a hard fall or a violent hit in the mouth, can result in a broken or cracked tooth. The tooth will be painful and sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and can cause bleeding when eating or drinking. Broken teeth are also more prone to tooth decay, as they can expose the inner layers to bacteria and food debris.

What to Do:

If your tooth is damaged, you should not chew on the damaged tooth and should not touch the tooth with your tongue or fingers. You should also not eat or drink until you see your dentist, as it is important to have your tooth evaluated to find out if you need a root canal or dental veneers.

A loosened tooth may cause no pain or discomfort, but it will be very sensitive to pressure and movement. Loose teeth can even fall out if they are not properly treated.

What to Do:

If your tooth is partially loose or almost falling out, you should only eat very soft food. You should also visit your dentist right away to have the tooth taken out. You may also discuss the possibility of getting dental implants.

Frequent bleeding or pain in the gums is often a sign that the gums are inflamed or infected. Bleeding caused by trauma will usually stop in a few minutes, but if the bleeding and pain continue, it can lead to an infection of the jawbone, which is very serious and may require immediate treatment.

What to Do:

If you are experiencing bleeding and pain and have not recently received dental treatment, you should immediately contact your dentist.

A toothache is the most common dental problem that people experience. There are several reasons for a toothache. It can come from a cavity, a cracked or broken tooth, or a tooth that has been restored with a crown. In some cases, a toothache can signify a more serious health condition, such as an infection or even cancer.

What to Do:

If you experience a toothache, you should visit your dentist for a thorough examination as soon as possible.

Swollen or puffy gums may result from tooth decay or infection of the gums, a problem with a filling or tooth extraction. Gingivitis or swollen gums are usually painless and can be temporarily relieved by applying ice packs to the gums. However, you should talk to your dentist if the swollen gums do not go away or get worse.

What to Do:

If you have swollen gums, you should only rinse your mouth with cold water and should not brush your teeth for at least 48 hours. You should also not eat any iced foods or drink icy beverages.

If you wear braces or a retainer, you need to know how to handle it when it becomes damaged. Braces or a retainer can become broken if a wire is loose or bent, as you may not be able to see the break from the outside. You must manage this situation properly to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.

What to Do:

If you think that your braces or a retainer are broken, you should not leave them in your mouth. If a wire is bent or broken, you should remove it immediately and go to your dentist to replace it with a new wire.

As you can see, dental emergencies can be a severe problem, and you should not ignore them. However, if you are aware of the signs of a dental emergency and are prepared with the proper knowledge, you are less likely to panic or do something that would worsen the situation.

If you have any questions about the dental emergencies mentioned above or you currently have a VA dental emergency, please call us at Royal Dental to address the problem right away.