How to handle dental emergencies?

It is believed that most dental issues are not generated immediately, they take months or years to come to surface and create problem. However, at times, tooth sensitivity or pain may happen unexpectedly, and may ask for immediate care.

Here are a few situations that emergency dental clinic categorizes as dental emergencies:

1. Bleeding that won’t stop. If you bite your tongue, lip, or other soft tissue accidentally in your mouth, make sure you clean the area and apply a cold compress. In case the bleeding does not stop, it is best to drive to the emergency room.
   
2. A tooth that has been severely cracked or broken. In case of a cracked or broken tooth, call up your dental clinic immediately. Also, apply cold compress at the affected area after rinsing your mouth with warm water.
   
3. Damaged braces. In case your braces damage, call up the orthodontist straight away. Some cases of damaged braces should be fixed immediately, while the others can wait till the next appointment.
   
4. Injury to the jaw. If you feel you’ve broken your jaw, make sure to apply cold compress and call your dentist immediately.
   
5. Loose tooth. Go to your dentist immediately if your tooth has been partially dislodged. Timely treatment can help to save the tooth. Till the time you can’t get to your dentist's office, apply cold compress and take an over-the-counter painkiller.
   
6. Lodged object between the teeth. Food particles may sometimes get stuck between your teeth, remove them gently using floss. However, if the object does not come out, call up your dentist immediately. Depending on the situation, the dental expert may ask you to come by immediately.
   
7. Extremely severe toothache. If your tooth starts to ache, rinse your mouth using warm water and floss around the tooth gently to ensure there is nothing stuck in-between the teeth. Call up your emergency dentist if the ache does subside.

There are certain dental emergencies that may cause permanent or life-threatening infections if not treated at the right time, so if you are in doubt, it is best to call up your dentist. The quicker you are in seeking treatment for your dental problem, the better your chances of full recovery.