Common Dental Emergencies and First Aid

Dental emergencies can occur at any time and can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. Here we talk about some common dental emergencies and the first aid that can be administered until professional dental care can be obtained:

Toothache:

Rinse the mouth using warm water to remove any food particles. Use dental floss to clean between the teeth gently. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.

Chipped Or Broken Tooth:

Rinse the mouth with warm water to remove any debris. Apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Save any broken pieces and bring them with you to the dentist.

Knocked-Out Tooth:

Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it with water. Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place with a clean cloth or tissue. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a milk or saliva container and bring it to the dentist.

Broken Or Lost Filling:

Rinse the mouth with warm water to remove any debris. Apply a temporary filling material, purchased at most drugstores, to the affected area to help protect the tooth until you can see a dentist.

Abscess:

Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth. Seek professional dental care immediately, as an abscess can lead to serious infection if left untreated.

In any dental emergency, it is important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Contact your dentist or an emergency dental clinic immediately. If the dental emergency occurs after hours, seek care at an urgent care or emergency room.

By administering appropriate first aid and seeking professional dental care promptly, you can help to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and ensure the best possible outcome for your dental emergency. Contact Firestone Pediatric Dentistry immediately in case of a dental emergency.