Dental emergencies such as toothaches, loose teeth and bleeding gums can be frightening, but it is not always possible to visit a dentist right away. There are several ways to treat a dental emergency and lessen the pain until professional treatment can be sought. Some problems and potential solutions are listed below.
Toothache
Not all toothaches arise because of erosion or cavities; some happen because of trauma or using the teeth for activities other than chewing. If a tooth is painful, rinse with warm water and use floss to clean food particles from the affected area. If the pain does not diminish, see an Emergency Dentist San Marcos CA as soon as possible.
Broken or Cracked Teeth
A damaged, broken or cracked tooth can result from external trauma. The patient should rinse his or her mouth and apply gauze to stop the bleeding before applying a cold compress to the affected area. Broken teeth can be repaired if treatment is sought immediately, and the patient should preserve the broken piece of the tooth.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Only a dentist can handle an emergency related to a tooth that has been knocked out. If an immediate visit is not possible, rinse the mouth until it’s free of blood. Do not attempt to remove any hanging tissue, and do not touch the roots of the missing tooth. If treatment is sought within an hour, the tooth may be reinserted.
Food Between the Teeth
Sometimes, food particles can cause severe pain if they are stuck between teeth. Floss can remove the particles, and it is much safer than using a pin or other sharp object. If the patient cannot remove the food particles, they should see an Emergency Dentist San Marcos CA as soon as possible.
Lost Crowns and Fillings
If a patient loses a filling, they should put sugar-free gum or dental cement in the affected area. However, it is best to see a dentist for filling repairs. If a crown comes loose or falls out, the patient may use a drop of clove oil on this delicate area.
Now that a patient knows how to handle a dental emergency, they can properly treat themselves and reduce the risk of further damage. In cases where the damage is severe or the patient does not know how to proceed, prompt emergency treatment from Vistafamilydental should be sought.
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