Handling Common Dental Emergencies


by Jay Nickles - Date: 2007-01-27 - Word Count: 483 Share This!

A dental emergency can occur at any time, and one needs to be prepared to handle it properly. Being properly informed can mean difference between saving the tooth and losing it. One may need to reach a dentist's office urgently, and so having an emergency number available at all times is extraordinarily important.

A look at the types of dental emergencies that may arise:

• Knocked-Out Tooth - Locate the knocked-out tooth. Rinse off the root if it is dirty, by holding it by its crown. Care needs to be taken that any attached tissue fragments are not removed. Ligamentum flavum is the tissue on the root that is required to fuse the tooth back into its socket. Therefore, do not scrub the tooth. If the gum is bleeding, it may not be possible to place the tooth back in its socket. In that case, hold a clean cloth over the gum, and place the tooth in a container with either milk or water. Try to reach the dentist's office as soon as possible.

• Broken Tooth - To keep the area clean, rinse the mouth with warm water. A cold compress can be used on the affected area to keep the swelling down. In addition to reducing the pain, the cold compress further minimizes the chance of infection by sealing the exposed dentin or pulp. Once this is done, get to the dentists office fast.

• Objects Caught Between the Teeth - Many a times, objects do get caught between the teeth, be it a small piece of chicken bone, or a fish bone, for example. One can try to remove an object by using dental floss. Sharp objects should never be used to try to remove any foreign objects caught between the teeth. A plastic toothpick with an angular tip would be the best item to be used, but care needs to be taken that the gums are not damaged. If all this is not successful, a visit to a dentist is the best option.

• Toothache - This is the most common of all dental emergencies. One could develop a throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot or cold liquids, or pain arising from an infected tooth, among others. Ensure no foreign objects or food particles are lodged between the teeth. These can be removed by dental floss. To help subside the pain, one can use non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, Tylenol etc,. However, the relief may just be temporary, and to get to the root cause of the pain, a visit to a dentist is mandatory.

Though low cost dental clinics are available in most communities, they may not be accessible at all times. Visiting an emergency room of a hospital may an alternative, but dental specialists can be difficult to reach. Joining a well regarded dental plan with a network of dentists to choose from may be the most cost effective solution and best way to plan ahead of any emergency.


Related Tags: teeth, tooth, toothache, dental emergency, broken tooth

Jay Nickles is a founder of several health related websites including http://www.bestvaluedentalplans.com featuring the top dental plans in the nation and http://usresourcegroup.com providing quality information on medical and heath related matters. Jay can be reached at jaynickles@gmail.com

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