Common Tooth Problems and What You Should Do Before Visiting a Dentist

Common Tooth Problems and What You Should Do Before Visiting a Dentist

When you have a dental emergency, what’s the first thing you should do? The first thing you shouldn’t do is panic. As scary as it sounds to have an emergency involving your mouth, it’s important that you stay calm and collected so that you can figure out what to do.

If you have a tooth that suddenly falls out, you will need to get that tooth (if you still have it) into a glass of water or other acceptable tooth salvaging liquid. You can ask your dentist what he or she suggests when it comes to an appropriate solution. You should use clean gauze to soak up any blood that might be dripping from your gums. If there is no blood but you feel pain due to an exposed nerve, you can also use gauze to keep air from hitting contacting the nerve and causing pain.

If you crack your tooth, rinse out your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If you experience any swelling, be sure to use a cold compress (not heat) to bring it down before you see your dentist. Having a toothache can be horrible as regular Tylenol or ibuprofen do not work well for most people in this kind of pain. You should identify the source of the pain, make sure that there is nothing sticking into your gum and then rinse. Do not put an aspirin directly on the tooth, as it could cause it to burn.

If there’s something stuck in your tooth or gum, use a toothpick to try to remove it. If it’s between your teeth, flossing should remove it. After you get it out, be sure to floss extensively, concentrating on the area where the debris was caught. This will help prevent future problems.