What Are the Most Common Dental Emergencies?

Life is unpredictable and emergencies happen without warning. The best way to prepare for dental emergencies is to learn what to do when they occur. Here are the five most common dental emergencies.

1.  Chipped or Broken Tooth

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water, and if there is bleeding, press a piece of gauze to the affected area. Use a cold compress on your face closest to the broken tooth. While waiting for emergency dental care, do not eat hard or crunchy foods.

2.  Knocked-out Tooth

If you knock out a tooth, find the tooth and pick it up only by the crown, not the root. Try to put the tooth back into place, but do not push it into the socket. If you cannot hold it in place, put the tooth in a small cup of milk to preserve it while you wait for emergency care.

3.  Toothache

A toothache is usually a sign of tooth decay, and it becomes an emergency if accompanied by swelling or an abscess. Press an ice pack to the outside of your cheek and call an emergency dentist.

4.  Lost Filling or Crown

If you lose a filling or crown, place the restoration in a resealable bag. While waiting to see your emergency dentist, put a piece of sugarless gum in the cavity to protect it.

5.  Broken Braces

If you break a bracket or wire of your braces, you should see your orthodontist as soon as you can. You can try to push the wire into a more comfortable position, or cover the wire with orthodontic wax, a cotton ball, or a piece of gauze. Don’t attempt to cut the wire on your own.

If you have questions about dental emergencies, call or stop by My Ogden Dentist. We look forward to serving you!