How To Deal With Dental Emergencies
Healthy teeth are precious, but you have to work hard to keep them safe from disease. Regular visits to a dentist keep you a step ahead of oral health. At the same time, you must give attention to the smallest signs of problems and address them right away. While these steps seem enough to have healthy teeth, a dental emergency can catch you by surprise. It can happen when you least expect it, and worst, it is hard to deal with. Most Canadians report encountering an emergency more than once. It is wise to have a plan to deal with a dental emergency so that you can get help at the earliest. Here are some tips you can follow.
Avoid dental emergencies
The best defense against dental emergencies is to avoid them in the first place. While it may not be possible to sideline them completely, you can take some precautions to minimize your risk. Avoid chewing hard foods like ice and nuts with your front teeth. Regular and proper brushing and flossing prevent dental emergencies in the long run. Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports because the likelihood of tooth injury is high.
Never panic
Tooth trouble can surface at any time, no matter how careful you are. The worst way to handle an emergency is by panicking. Remember that a fractured tooth or bleeding is rarely life-threatening. It can be painful, scary, and uncomfortable, but you can handle it with clear thinking. Stay calm, get some first-aid, and take the proper steps to get help from a specialist.
Find an emergency dentist ASAP
If you come across an unexpected dental issue, find an emergency dentist right away. An internet search can help you locate one in your area, though it makes sense to have their number and address in your diary. Edmonton residents can look for an Edmonton dentist available 24 by 7, and even on weekends and holidays. Ensure you check their service offerings, though your best bet is to get to the clinic for professional treatment right away.
Act quickly
It is important to act quickly when you come across an emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth. A dentist can replace it within a couple of hours and save your tooth. Likewise, any other injury is easy to resolve if you address it quickly. Do not wait for the pain or bleeding to subside until the next day. If the problem is bad and unbearable, visit an emergency dentist sooner rather than later.
Mitigate pain and bleeding as first-aid
Like any other injury, a dental emergency requires first aid. Your first step should be to mitigate the pain and bleeding before reaching the dentist. An over-the-counter painkiller medicine such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen will take care of pain and swelling. You can apply ice externally to reduce pain and swelling. Clean cotton balls and gauze can cut down the bleeding while you reach the clinic.
The best way to deal with a dental emergency is by reaching a specialist as soon as possible. But make sure you keep a level head and avoid a panic situation until you get help.
