What to Do When You Experience a Dental Emergency: Tips from Experts

Jun 01, 2023

Dental emergencies are unpredictable. The truth is you will never be able to predict when a dental emergency will unfold. The best thing you can do to stay ahead of this is to be prepared beforehand to face a dental emergency when it occurs.

One thing you should always have at hand is the contact to our emergency dentistry in Rockwall. This is because you will never know when you will need to see our emergency dentist, and unlike routine dental visits, you cannot schedule an emergency dental appointment.

Having this contact with you will enable you to contact us when facing a dental emergency. We can be able to advise you on how to handle yourself during your dental emergency and what to do as you make your way to our emergency dentistry in Rockwall.

Apart from having an emergency dentist contact you, another key way to be prepared for a dental emergency is to identify when you need to seek urgent dental care.

Recognizing When You Need Urgent Care

Being able to distinguish a dental emergency from a non-emergency could save you a lot of trouble. For one, having this knowledge will enable you to act more swiftly when you recognize that you are facing a dental emergency.

On the other hand, you can avoid panicking when faced with a pressing but non-urgent dental issue. Here are a few key pointers that can help you identify a dental issue that needs urgent care;

If you notice that you have any loose permanent teeth
If you notice deep cuts, tears, or lacerations bleeding within or around your mouth. This dental issue needs urgent attention because, if left unchecked, it can result in excessive bleeding
A severe and persistent toothache
A knocked out or avulsed tooth. This is a time-sensitive dental issue; if handled swiftly, your natural tooth can be salvaged and reattached
A toothache accompanied by a fever, foul breath, swollen gums, headache, and tooth sensitivity. These symptoms indicate an abscess which can be life-threatening if not handled promptly
If you notice facial inflammation that is accompanied by jaw pain or lack of jaw mobility
If you have undergone dental trauma, for instance, during a sports activity or accident

All the above issues may indicate that you need emergency dental care in Rockwall, TX.

First Aid Steps to Take for Dental Emergencies

So what do you do when a dental emergency occurs, and you are still trying to make your way to see our emergency dentist near you? Well, the correct thing to do would be to quickly take some first aid steps to stabilize enough to make your way to us.

Here are a few first-aid tips that could come in handy:

Stop any bleeding – If you have any cuts or lacerations, rinse out the affected area and use a clean piece of gauze to stop the bleeding as you make your way to the dentist
Apply a cold compress if you have a dental trauma; this helps reduce pain and inflammation
If you have a knocked-out tooth, locate it, hold it by the crown, and rinse it out, then place it in a cup of milk to keep it moist as you make your way to the dentist
Take some pain medication to make you a bit more comfortable as you seek medical assistance

These are some of the first-aid tips that could make your dental emergency situation a little bearable. After your dental emergency has been addressed, you must strive and maintain good oral health.

This will allow you to heal properly and also avoid the occurrence of any preventable dental emergencies.

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health

You can keep your gums and teeth healthy and strong by following the tips below;

Practice good oral hygiene. Ensure that you brush your teeth at least twice every day and floss at least once a day after meals to keep your teeth and gums clean
Visit your dentist regularly
Use a fluoride toothpaste
Cut down on the amount of sugary and starchy foods you eat, as this promotes tooth decay
Quit smoking
Use a mouthwash

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