What to Do in Case of a Dental Emergency

1. Toothache
   One of the most common dental emergencies is a toothache. If you experience a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped debris. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum or tooth, as it may irritate. Instead, use a cold compress outside your cheek to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment and identify the underlying cause of the toothache.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth
   If you chip or break a tooth, try to save any broken pieces. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply gauze if there is any bleeding. A cold compress can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Schedule an emergency dental visit as soon as possible, as a chipped or broken tooth may expose the sensitive inner layers, leading to infection or further damage if left untreated.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth
   A knocked-out tooth is a severe dental emergency that requires immediate attention. Hold the tooth by the crown (the top part) and rinse it gently with water if it's dirty. Do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments attached to the root. Try to place the tooth back into the socket, if possible, and hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, keep it in a glass of milk or a particular tooth preservation solution recommended by dentists until you can see a dentist. The chances of saving a knocked-out tooth decrease rapidly after an hour, so seek emergency dental care without delay.
4. Lost Filling or Crown
   If a filling or crown falls out, gently rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean. Over-the-counter dental cement at most drugstores seals the affected tooth temporarily. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the lost filling or crown until you can visit your dentist for a replacement. It's crucial to have the filling or crown replaced promptly to protect the tooth from further damage.
5. Abscessed Tooth
   An abscessed tooth is a severe condition that occurs when a bacterial infection reaches the tooth's root. Symptoms may include severe pain, swollen gums, fever, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution several times daily to reduce discomfort and draw out the pus. Seek immediate dental care, as an abscess can lead to complications if not treated promptly.