Emergencies do not know the right time, and in dentistry these emergencies bear the additional burden of excruciating pain. For example, the teeth, gums, or structures in the mouth may experience severe pain that cannot wait for regular dental office hours. Pain can be due to tooth decay, fractures, or loose teeth along with cuts to the gums or lips, which are just a few of the many cases that are commonly known as dental emergencies. Urgency is paramount in such oral emergencies, as thirty minutes is enough to determine whether or not you will be toothless.
Should you wait?
Due to the sharp increase in serious oral emergencies and the deaths attributed to them, dental experts have been forced to offer their services 24 hours a day. You should always remember that delaying or avoiding dental problems significantly increases the chances of permanent damage, making it a more expensive affair as time progresses. Therefore, it is a good idea to always have an emergency dentist’s number on your speed dial just in case.
To do
During dental emergencies, it is always advisable to first call a qualified dentist to instruct you on the steps and actions to take immediately. In extreme cases, the professional will instantly book an appointment to stop the situation, but if injuries can wait, you should book it for normal office hours. It can also be stocked with essential DIY tips to help ease generally nagging pain or get a prescription over the phone.
Minimize damage
Contrary to common belief, it is not advisable to wash a fallen tooth with water after an injury. In fact, it is recommended to suck it and place it on your cheeks or keep it in your socket until you get to the dentist’s clinic for preservation purposes. Also use salt water to rinse your mouth in case a tooth breaks and you feel no pain. This goes a long way in disinfecting the area before medical attention is given. In case of swelling, use ice cubes or packets to mitigate the effects.
Avoid emergencies
As the common mantra says, prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, it is of utmost importance not only to remain aware of the importance of oral hygiene, but also to take the necessary measures to prevent injuries and problems related to the mouth. Visiting your dentist regularly, for example, will keep your teeth in top condition at all times and prevent unwanted future problems. Also contact your dentist immediately if you identify a problem inside your mouth. Waiting until the problem gets out of control not only increases the amount of damage, it also makes it more expensive when it comes to treatment. Those involved in risky sports activities will likely want to wear helmets or mouth guards at all times.
It is important to note that any unusual pain experienced in the mouth should be handled as a dental emergency. The thing about tooth or gum injuries is that even the slightest damage has the potential to extensively damage nerves, eventually leading to tooth loss. Make an appointment today and visit your local dentist for a much-needed checkup, and while you’re at it, remember to ask if he / she is among the dentists after hours in case of a future emergency.