Dental First Aid: How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can strike at any time, causing discomfort and anxiety. Whether it's a chipped tooth from an accidental fall or a lost filling that leaves you in pain, knowing how to handle common dental emergencies can make all the difference before you can get professional help.

However, it is important to understand that professionally unattended dental emergencies can be painful and lead to other issues. Therefore, it is important to consult a professional emergency dentist like us at Waterfront Family Dentistry. We provide specialized emergency dentistry services in Frisco, Plano, The Colony, and Little Elm, TX.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the tips to handle these dental emergencies at home, providing practical tips and a sense of empowerment until you can reach your dentist.

What Are The Tips To Handle Common Dental Emergency?

1. Chipped or Broken Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth is a common dental mishap, often occurring due to accidents or biting into something hard. Here's what you can do:

Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
Save any Broken Pieces: If possible, save any broken tooth fragments.
Control Bleeding: If there's bleeding, apply gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
Cold Compress: To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention to increase the chances of saving it. Follow these steps:

Handle the Tooth Carefully: Hold the tooth by the crown (the top part) and avoid touching the root.
Rinse Gently: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub or use soap.
Reposition the Tooth: If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place using a clean cloth or gauze.
Keep it Moist: If you can't reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by placing it in a container of milk or between your cheek and gums.
Seek Immediate Help: Time is crucial; visit your dentist or an emergency dental clinic as soon as possible.

3. Lost Filling

Losing a filling can expose sensitive parts of your tooth, causing pain and discomfort. Here's what you can do:

Keep it Clean: Rinse your mouth gently to remove any debris.
Temporary Filling: You can purchase over-the-counter dental cement or a temporary dental filling kit from a pharmacy. Follow the package instructions to replace the lost filling temporarily.
Avoid Chewing: Be cautious with the affected tooth and avoid chewing on that side.
Visit Your Dentist: Make an appointment with your dentist to replace the filling professionally.

4. Gum Injuries

Injuries to the gums can cause bleeding and discomfort. Follow these steps:

Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the injured area.
Pressure with Gauze: Apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze to control bleeding.
Cold Compress: Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
Visit Your Dentist: If the injury is severe or bleeding persists, seek dental care promptly.

5. Objects Stuck Between Teeth

Food particles or foreign objects sometimes get lodged between your teeth, causing pain or discomfort. Here's what you can do:

Floss Carefully: Use dental floss to try and gently remove the object. Be cautious not to damage your gums.
Avoid Sharp Objects: Do not use sharp objects or pins to remove the object, as this can cause injury.
Rinse Your Mouth: After removal, rinse your mouth with water to ensure it's clean.

Highly-Qualified Emergency Dentist At Waterfront Family Dentistry

In dental emergencies, staying informed and taking the right steps can alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications. You can alleviate the pain by following these tips for emergency dental issues.

Remember to consult your dentist for any dental emergency. Waterfront Family Dentistry can provide the best care and advice tailored to your situation. We also offer our professional dental services for patients without dental insurance via our Loyalty Program.

So, call us at 972-987-4343 or schedule your dentist appointment now.