Understand How To Handle Dental Emergencies

 Your pearly whites are a valuable asset that must be maintained on a regular basis. Any injury to the teeth or gums might have long-term consequences, including the possibility of permanent damage. It is critical to see a dentist as soon as possible in the event of any dental emergency.

Missing Tooth: Locate the missing tooth and grasp it by the enamel-covered crown rather than the root. Rinse it off with water rather than scrubbing it! While waiting for an emergency dentist, try to put the tooth back in its original position and hold it there, or store it in a cup of milk.

Toothache: Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water if you have a toothache. If you have a toothache caused by food lodged between your teeth, try flossing it out. Alternatively, while waiting to visit the dentist, apply a cold compress.

Teeth that have been chipped or fractured should be saved. Rinse the oral cavity with warm water to remove any debris. If there is bleeding, apply gauze for 10 minutes and put a cold compress on the exterior of the mouth to reduce swelling while waiting to see an emergency dentist.

Broken Braces: Try to tuck any sharp ends of the wires back down carefully with a pencil eraser. If that doesn't work, wrap the wire with orthodontic wax or gauze. Make an appointment with an orthodontist to correct the problem.

Abscess: An abscess is an infection that develops around the tooth's base and is a dangerous condition that necessitates rapid dental attention. While you're waiting at the dentist's office, rinse your mouth with warm salty water to clean it.

• Soft-tissue injuries: Soft-tissue injuries, such as those to the tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips, can cause bleeding. Rinse your mouth with a moderate salt-water solution to stop the bleeding. Alternatively, apply pressure to the bleeding location for 15 to 20 minutes using a wet piece of gauze or a tea bag. If the bleeding does not stop, see your dentist or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room.

A variety of replacement treatments are available to replace one or more lost teeth. When deciding between dentures and bridges, it's important to think about how they'll work with the rest of your teeth. Both cover gaps, prevent teeth from shifting, and improve chewing and talking skills, but they function differently and require separate maintenance depending on the form of the teeth.