5 Dental Emergency Situations (and How to Avoid Them)

You may know that having a good dentist can help you treat dental emergencies, but it is also important to know what to do if an emergency arises. Whether you are suffering from a toothache or a gum injury, learning how to deal with dental emergencies will prevent long-term damage. 

If you suffer from a toothache, for example, you should rinse your mouth with warm water to remove food particles and apply a cold compress to help ease the pain. If the pain persists, you should contact your dentist for preventive dental teeth scaling or go to the emergency room.  

Here are five other common dental emergencies and how to manage them: 

1. Toothache

Toothaches are one of the common dental emergencies and can be caused by cavities or gum disease. Toothache can cause great discomfort, which can affect your daily activities.

If you have a severe toothache, it can also be a sign of an abscess. A dental abscess is a serious infection that can spread to the rest of your body and can be life-threatening if not treated.

Getting help for dental emergencies can help avoid long-term damage to your teeth, especially when it is unbearable toothaches. It is, therefore, important to see your periodontist immediately if you have a toothache, as it could be a sign of a serious dental condition. He or she will be able to identify the cause of the pain and prescribe the best way to treat it. 

You can treat toothaches with over-the-counter medications and pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen that work by reducing inflammation. Another toothache relief technique is to apply clove oil. Clove oil contains natural anesthetics and anti-inflammatory properties. With a cotton ball, you can use a small amount of clove oil on the painful area.

Yet another natural toothache remedy is to add a small amount of salt to a glass of water. Saltwater helps to cleanse infections in the mouth and reduces inflammation. Using salt water mouthwash can also provide temporary pain relief.

Other toothache remedies involve soaking a cotton ball in a solution of thyme essential oil. Thyme contains powerful antioxidant properties and also has anti-bacterial properties. You can also mix a drop of thyme essential oil with water to create a mouthwash. 

Moreover, another natural toothache remedy involves applying a small amount of vanilla extract to the tooth. Vanilla contains natural anti-inflammatory properties, though this technique may not be as effective. You must seek emergency dental care immediately if the pain does not subside. 

2. Tooth Abscess 

Often mistaken for tooth infection, tooth abscesses can be extremely dangerous and require immediate medical attention.

A dental abscess occurs when bacteria invade the tooth pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves. If left untreated, it can spread to other areas of the body, leading to a serious infection, sepsis, or even death. 

The symptoms of dental abscesses vary depending on the location and depth of the infection. The symptoms include a foul odor, mouth swelling, pain, and difficulty chewing. Fortunately, a dental abscess can be treated and restored to a healthy state by following some dental emergency proceedures. 

Antibiotics may be enough to heal the infection if the infection is localized. However, if it is widespread, the infection may require surgery to drain the abscess. 

3. Bleeding Gums 

Whether it's during brushing or flossing, bleeding gums can signify gum disease. While gingivitis is a mild form of the disease, it can progress into periodontitis, leading to tooth loss and damage to the bones and tissues of the mouth. 

Factors contributing to bleeding gums include hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, heavy alcohol consumption, and dental trauma. A physical examination and blood work can help your dentist pinpoint the underlying cause of your bleeding. 

If you're experiencing bleeding gums, getting the right treatment from your dentist and using prevention dental care routines will help you deal with the problem and have a healthy mouth. 

The best way to prevent bleeding gums is to maintain proper dental hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Eating a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables can also help. 

4. Cracked Teeth 

Among the most common dental emergencies, cracked teeth are a problem that needs immediate attention. A cracked tooth can cause several symptoms, from pain while chewing to sensitivity to temperature changes. 

Some cracked teeth require a root canal to save them, while others require extraction. It's advisable to follow proper teeth care routines if you don't want to experience cracked teeth ever, including brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, twice a day to keep your teeth in top form. 

Cracked teeth occur when there is damage to the tooth below the gum line. Once the tooth becomes infected, it can spread to the bone and gum tissue. 

At the same time, cracked teeth can be difficult to diagnose. X-rays can be taken to examine the tooth for signs of damage. The dentist may also use a dental explorer to feel the tooth for a crack.

If you are unsure about the condition of your teeth and experiencing a severe toothache, you should visit a nearby dentist and follow some dental prevention routine. 

5. Tooth Fracture 

Having a fractured tooth can be a big problem. Not only can it cause pain, but it can also affect your other teeth and tongue. 

The good news is that tooth fractures are usually treatable. However, this doesn't mean that you should ignore the issue.

The best way to avoid getting a fractured tooth is to prevent clenching and to grind your teeth. Regular dental teeth scaling can help you have healthy teeth and prevent tooth fractures. 

Another good way to prevent a fractured tooth is to chew food slowly and correctly. Avoid foods that are hard or brittle. Chewing with the wrong tooth can also cause a fracture. 

If you're experiencing a tooth fracture, you should take care of it immediately. Visit a well-experienced periodontist. They can help you remove the nerve, put a cap on the tooth, and treat it well in time.

In Conclusion

Some dental emergencies can cause serious pain and damage to your teeth. The pain can come from an abscess, a chipped or cracked tooth, or even a gum injury. 

Dental emergencies can also be caused by traumatic injuries, including a knocked-out tooth or a broken tooth. This type of injury can cause serious pain and can also be life-threatening.  

Regardless of the cause of the dental emergency, you should always visit your dentist as soon as possible to avoid permanent tooth loss and damage. A dentist will help you with the emergency.

Moreover, keeping a dental emergency kit on hand comes in very handy during emergencies. Also keep a dentist's phone number on hand so you can contact them as soon as you notice an emergency.