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10 Best Ways to Handle The Dental Emergency

June 14, 2022

The teeth are one of the most vital parts of the body. When something goes wrong with your teeth, it can affect the whole body. This is precisely why it's important to know how to handle dental emergencies.
Some common dental emergencies include a knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth, or tooth pain. The fact is that dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. But knowing how to handle one can make a big difference.
Here are the Ten Best Ways to Handle a Dental Emergency:

1) Stay Calm and Gather Information


This advice may seem like fluff. But it is not uncommon for people to be running around like a headless chicken when met with a dental emergency. It's important to stay calm and focused when you're in the middle of a dental emergency. Collect as much information as possible about what's happening and what needs to be done. This includes knowing the name of your San Diego dentist , their phone number, as well as the extent of the emergency.

2) Call Your Dentist


Next, you should call your dentist and explain the situation. They'll be able to tell you what to do next and may be able to schedule an appointment for you right away. Dentists are trained to handle emergencies and can provide the necessary care (even over the phone) to prevent further damage. They can also advise on how to manage the emergency until they can be seen in the office.

3) In The Event Of Broken Braces/wires


If a wire on your braces breaks, you will need to call your orthodontist immediately. Depending on the break, your orthodontist may be able to fix it temporarily without having to see you. If the wire is sticking out and causing discomfort, you can use orthodontic wax to cover it and make it more comfortable. You can even use a rubber (such as the eraser-tip pencil) to reposition the brace gently.

4) Maintain A Good Dental Emergency Kit


A good dental emergency kit should have everything you need to help you in an emergency. The kit should include gauze, cotton balls, scissors, and tweezers. The kit should also include information about what to do in an emergency. This includes your San Diego dentist's phone number and address and any medications or treatments they may have prescribed for you. 

5) Rinse Your Mouth With Warm Water


If you are experiencing a dental emergency , rinse your mouth with warm water. Warm water will help clean the area and reduce pain and swelling. Rinse the mouth for several minutes, then spit the water out for best results. Warm water will also help loosen any food particles stuck in your teeth. 

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 6) Apply A Cold Compress


This tip works best when your mouth is swollen due to a dental condition. A cold compress can help to reduce swelling and pain. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can reduce the inflammation. 
In the event of a mouth inflammation, follow the steps below:
• Use an ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables, or even a can of cold soda. • Put the cold object against your tooth for about 5-10 minutes. • You can also place a cloth or towel in the freezer for at least 30 minutes and use it as a cold pack.

7) Take Ibuprofen If You Are In Pain


Ibuprofen can be used to manage pain and inflammation. It is typically taken orally in tablet form. The drug works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins (a chemical compound formed in areas of tissue damage), which are responsible for causing pain and inflammation.
Warning: It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your dentist, as taking too much Ibuprofen can affect the digestive system and even increase the risk of a heart attack!

8) Preserve Your Knocked-out Tooth


This tip is specifically for those who just got their tooth knocked out (we feel sorry for you, pal). If you are unfortunate enough to suffer a knocked-out tooth, it is important to take action as soon as possible. 
First, find the tooth and rinse off any dirt or debris. Do not scrub the tooth. If possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket. If not possible, drop the tooth in a cup of milk or salt water. Rush to your dentist like a bat out of hell!

9) Fighting Abscessed Tooth


An abscessed tooth is a tooth that has become infected and filled with pus. The infection can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the gums. If left untreated, the infection can proliferate to other body parts. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant and can be used to treat an abscessed tooth.
To do so,
• Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water. • Swish the mixture in your mouth for a minute, then spit it out. Repeat this process as needed.

10) Your Kitchen May Hold The Answer


The modern world has programmed us to run to a dentist even when experiencing a minor dental issue. A bleeding gum or a toothache does not always indicate a dental emergency. In such cases, your kitchen may be the best place to peek to find something useful. Yes! You guessed it right. We are asking you to go the Ayurvedic way! The following options may help you alleviate tooth pain:
• Apply clove oil to the tooth or gum to get relief from pain. It can also be added to water and used as a mouth rinse. • Crush a few cloves of garlic and add them to a cup of water. Swish the water in your mouth and spit it out.

• Put a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball, then place the cotton ball on the tooth that is hurting.

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