How To Handle Common Dental Emergencies

Problems with your mouth require quick action and the help of a professional. Though you may feel that a dental issue is minor, ignoring some oral disorders can lead to permanent damage and endanger your general health. Read on for how to handle common dental issues to prevent the problem from becoming much worse.

A toothache is sometimes the first sign of an issue with your teeth. It could be a cavity, a cracked or broken tooth or sometimes something more serious, like an abscess. Until you can be seen by your dentist, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Do not place an aspirin on the tooth, the salicylic acid in aspirin can burn your delicate gum tissues.

For a knocked-out tooth, retain the tooth if possible and rinse well with warm water. Be gentle and leave any bits of tissue on the tooth intact. Try to reinsert the tooth in the same spot, but don't use force it. If you cannot reinsert it, place the tooth in a cup of milk or a cup of warm water with a pinch of salt added. You can purchase tooth-saving kits from your dentist or from drugstores to keep in your home medicine cabinet. These kits contain a special salt solution and provide a safe, cushioned place to keep your tooth until you can get to the dentist. Time is of the essence, so the quicker you can get to your dentist, the better the chances are of saving the tooth. Teeth can be successfully reattached depending on your age, the location of the missing tooth and other considerations.

For a lost filling, sugar-free gum makes a convenient filler material until you can get to the dentist. Be aware of the pain that could result from using a gum with sugar. You can find dental cements at the drugstore that will provide a slightly more secure, but still temporary solution. You can similarly treat a lost crown by placing it back on the tooth with a little dental cement. Do not, under any circumstances, use super glue on your teeth. 

An abscess is a serious dental emergency and prompt treatment is vital. You may not always feel pain from an abscess, but you will likely notice the swelling and tenderness of your gums. Be aware that an abscess is an infection and may spread to other parts of your body if not treated right away. If you cannot be seen immediately by your dentist, go to the emergency room.

Your prompt attention to dental problems could mean saving a tooth or even saving your life in the case of an abscess, so seek help from a dental professional (such as one from Peak Family Dentistry & Orthodontics) as soon as possible.