Dental emergencies can be extremely painful and quickly go from bad to worse if left untreated. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they can prevent these emergencies with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to their dentist.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about eight common dental emergencies and how you can prevent them.
1. Toothache
Tooth decay, a broken or cracked tooth, an abscess, or gum disease usually causes it. The pain is mild to severe and can be accompanied by swelling and tenderness in the gums. Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to prevent toothache. In addition, avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help prevent tooth decay.
2. Broken Tooth
A broken tooth is often caused by trauma or biting down on something hard. A fractured tooth may cause severe pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, difficulty eating, and even infection. To prevent a broken tooth, you must visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports. Additionally, avoid chewing on hard items such as ice or hard candy.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth often occurs due to an accident or trauma to the mouth, and it can cause extreme discomfort and pain. Try to locate the tooth and rinse it off with water, then place it back into the socket if possible. If not, store the tooth in a container with milk or saline solution and immediately seek medical attention. Preventing a knocked-out tooth requires wearing a mouthguard while participating in contact sports and avoiding activities that could put your teeth at risk.
4. Abscess
An Abscess is a painful infection of the mouth that is caused by bacteria. It is a localized collection of pus, usually found around the teeth or gums, and can be very painful. To help prevent abscesses, practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing daily and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, is necessary.
5. Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown can be one of the most painful and inconvenient dental emergencies. It is often caused by tooth decay, trauma, or a wrong dental procedure. If you are experiencing a lost filling or crown, it is essential to contact your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can prevent further damage by avoiding hard and sticky foods and using an over-the-counter dental cement or paste to replace the filling or crown temporarily.
6. Damaged Dentures
If your dentures are broken, chipped, or cracked, it can alter the fit of your denture and cause pain or discomfort. Be sure to carefully handle your dentures and keep them stored safely when not used. Also, be sure to attend regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist so that they can assess the fit of your denture.
7. Dry Socket
A dry socket is caused when the blood clot that normally forms in the socket is either displaced or does not form. This can result in severe pain, bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth. To prevent dry sockets, it is important to avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours after the extraction. Additionally, it is important to follow the dentist’s instructions on how to care for the extraction site.
8. Gum Disease
Gum, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and surrounding tissues that poor oral hygiene can cause. It can be a painful and serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. To prevent gum disease, it is important to brush and floss regularly, use a mouthwash, see your dentist regularly, and avoid smoking. If you notice any signs of gum disease, such as swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth, contact your dentist immediately.
Conclusion
This information can help prevent common dental emergencies and keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you experience any pain or discomfort, make sure to contact your dentist right away.
Manassas Smiles offers a complete range of dental care services designed to meet the needs of all types of patients. Our experienced team of dentists has extensive experience in providing a variety of treatments, from cosmetic dentistry to dental implants and gum disease treatment. If you would book an appointment with our dentist in Manassas, don’t hesitate to contact us.
