Common Dental Emergencies and First Aid Tips
Posted in Family Dentistry, General Dentistry | January 30, 2023
Dental emergencies are best described as situations and problems that occur in the oral cavity that require the assistance of a dental professional to resolve. They need immediate care and attention to avoid permanent problems. Dr. Kenneth Egger and his team in Mount Pleasant, MI, provide emergency dentistry to both new and current patients, allowing individuals to get the care they need when they need it!
Common Dental Emergencies and First Aid Tips
One of the most common dental emergencies is a toothache. A toothache occurs when there is inflammation or infection in your teeth or mouth. Some of the most typical causes of toothaches include cavities, damaged fillings, an exposed root, or gum disease.
If you experience a toothache, try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. You could also use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve some of the pain and swelling. If these remedies do not provide relief, request an appointment with your personal dentist as soon as you can.
Another common dental emergency is a broken or chipped tooth. If you experience a broken or chipped tooth, try to find any pieces of the tooth that may have been knocked out and store them in cool water until you can get to your dentist’s office. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
In some cases, patients may experience a knocked-out tooth. This often occurs when patients are not wearing a mouth guard to protect their smile while participating in high-impact, high-contact sports. If you experience a knocked-out tooth, find the tooth, if possible, and rinse it off with cool water. Ideally, store the tooth in milk or saliva until you can get to Dr. Egger’s office.
Call for Emergency Dental Care When You Need It!
As you can see, many common dental emergencies may require emergency treatment. If you experience any of these emergencies, seek immediate help from an experienced dentist such as Dr. Kenneth Egger to prevent further damage or infection. His office is in Mount Pleasant, MI and he can be reached by calling 989-773-3560 for an appointment.