Dental emergencies can happen anytime, and they can be scary and painful. Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can help alleviate pain and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. This blog post will discuss the most common dental emergencies and what to do if you experience one.

Common Dental Emergencies

1. Toothache: A toothache can be caused by several factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, or an abscess. The pain may be constant or intermittent, ranging from mild to severe.
2. Chipped or broken tooth: A chipped or broken tooth can be caused by trauma, such as a fall or impact to the face. Depending on the severity of the break, the tooth may be sensitive or painful.
3. Knocked-out tooth: A knocked-out tooth can occur due to trauma, such as a blow to the face during sports. If a tooth is knocked out, it's essential to act quickly as there is a chance it can be saved.
4. Lost filling or crown: A filling or crown may come loose or fall out, causing pain and sensitivity.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

1. Toothache: If you experience a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate pain. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
2. Chipped or broken tooth: If you chip or break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
3. Knocked-out tooth: If a tooth is knocked out, try to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If this isn't possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva and contact your dentist immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to saving a knocked-out tooth, so act quickly.
4. Lost filling or crown: If a filling or crown comes loose or falls out, contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, you can use dental cement, available at most drugstores, to cover the affected area and alleviate pain and sensitivity.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing one. These include:

1. Maintaining good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Wearing a mouthguard: If you participate in sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.
3. Avoiding hard or sticky foods: These types of foods can cause damage to your teeth.
4. Visiting your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups can help identify potential dental problems before they become emergencies.

In conclusion, dental emergencies can be scary and painful, but knowing what to do in a dental emergency can help alleviate pain and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. If you experience a dental emergency, contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Remember, prevention is vital, so take steps to reduce your risk of experiencing a dental emergency in the first place.

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We are always happy to help our patients at iSmile Dental in Langley, please contact us or call us if you need help.