Just like we have medical emergencies, we have dental ones that are as important and should be addressed on time. Failure to get emergency dental care, can cause complications and increase the chances of losing the teeth. It is important to know what dental emergencies are to get the required treatment.
Before you seek out emergency dentistry in Cambridge, ON, here is what you need to know:
What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental or mouth emergency is an injury or bruising that affects the gums, teeth, and the surrounding soft tissues causing pain, swelling, and bleeding. You may also have broken dental restorations that cause discomfort and also need urgent dental treatment.
What Are the Signs of Dental Emergency?
Some accidents require immediate treatment and they include:
- Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums can be mild and clear out after some time, especially if they are caused by using a hard toothbrush. You may also have gum bleeding if you have soft tissue injuries. This bleeding does not last for long and can be controlled using a gauze pad.
However, when you have severe and persistent bleeding that appears several times a day, it could be a sign of gum disease.
Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and can trigger gum recession. It is important to have the bacteria removed to stop the spread of the infection and prevent deterioration of the supporting bone.
- Knocked-out teeth
Your teeth can get knocked out or fractured after an accident, fall, or when your teeth come in contact with a blunt object. When teeth get partially or completely knocked out you need immediate treatment within an hour after the accident. This increases the chances of the dentist saving your teeth.
As you come for treatment, it is important to perform first aid to increase the chances of saving your teeth. If the teeth are slightly or partially dislodged from the socket, try pushing the tooth to the socket using the crown. Do not touch the root of the teeth to protect the tissues attached.
For completely knocked out teeth, pick the tooth and place it in a milk solution to preserve it. Do not wrap the tooth in paper or tissue.
- Abscess
A tooth abscess is caused by a bacterial infection that affects the gums and causes inflammation. It also causes pus to accumulate in the gums, hence the name abscess.
A dental abscess needs immediate treatment to get rid of the infection and stop it from spreading to the neck and head.
- Toothache
Tooth pain can be caused by various reasons like stuck food, broken/fractured teeth, or decay. When you have a toothache, avoid taking medications unless prescribed by the dentist. Remember, the absence of pain does not mean the problem is gone. You need urgent dental treatment to address the root cause and ease the pain.
What Can You Do When a Dental Emergency Occurs?
What you do after the accident occurs will determine the success of the treatment. Here are some tips:
- Rinse the mouth to get rid of the debris broken pieces and any dirt.
- Use a gauze pad to control the bleeding.
- Apply an ice pack on the affected area to control the swelling. Use the ice pack in 20-minute intervals and do not apply it on direct skin.
- Avoid using pain relievers without the dentist’s recommendation because some may cause blood to thin.
Tips of How to Avoid a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency at times occurs without any warning, but there are ways that you can reduce the severity.
- Brush, floss, and use mouth rinse daily to get rid of the plaques.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities.
- Wear a mouthguard when you are playing sports to shield the teeth. Also, get a customized mouth guard if you suffer from teeth grinding or clenching.
- Get regular exams and cleaning to get rid of plaques.
Final Thoughts
Visit our Cambridge dentist in Dental Art Clinics for assistance if you have persistent pain or bleeding.
