Dentists typically recommend scheduling oral examinations every six months to maintain good oral hygiene. But dental issues can occur even with the best oral hygiene, requiring the help of restorative dentistry treatment. Sadly, some of these issues will be severe and cause significant discomfort to patients.
According to National Library of Medicine data, around 2 million dental-related emergency department visits occur each year. However, with guidance from your Marietta dentist you can avoid many persistent dental issues – and get the support you need for unexpected situations.
Our teeth are some of our most valuable attributes. They give our mouths the ability to break down nutrients and process incoming molecules before they are distributed to the rest of our body. But our teeth are also sensitive. They collect bacteria and unwanted materials that cause issues if they go uncleaned or unaddressed.
Sometimes improper care, an overload of bacteria, or a simple accident can cause serious issues in teeth or gums that require more immediate attention than your next dental check-up. We call these tooth emergencies!
But don’t fear. Dr. Shaila Mohip-Chahwala and the entire staff at Shining Smiles Family Dentistry are equipped to care for you and your family when these types of problems and dental emergencies arise.
Common Dental Emergencies and Immediate Care Tips
Knocking Out a Tooth
Permanent tooth: If it is possible, place the tooth back in, being careful not to touch the exposed root. Sometimes this is not possible though. In this case, keep the tooth either in a bowl of milk, in between your cheek and your gum, or in a product specifically made for preserving teeth. Let your dentist evaluate as quickly as possible. If you live in or near Marietta, GA, call Shining Smiles Family Dentistry.
Baby tooth: Since these teeth eventually fall out, this is a case-by-case scenario. Sometimes there is no issue, but sometimes it may need to be implanted back into the gum. Until your dentist can have a look, keep the tooth in a liquid so that it remains moist and proceed to your dentist’s office to have the specific dental emergency evaluated.
A Cracked Tooth
Clean the mouth and cracked tooth with warm water as soon as possible so that bacteria does not get into the crack. Keep a cold compress on the face to help with swelling and call your dentist.
Biting the Tongue or Lip
This happens often and may not always be serious. However, excessive bleeding or excessive pain may indicate a more serious issue. Clean the area with water and keep it cold. If the bleeding or pain continues, go to your nearest emergency room or contact your dentist.
A Toothache
Toothaches and gum pain are also common and can often be settled by rinsing the mouth with warm water and flossing to remove anything that may be caught in between the teeth. If the pain continues persistently, contact your dentist. If you live in or near Marietta, GA, call Shining Smiles Family Dentistry.
An Object Stuck in the Mouth or Between Teeth
If flossing gently does not remove the item, contact your dentist to discuss the next step.
See Our Dentist in Marietta, GA As Soon As Possible
So, after we’ve completed the first steps to immediate care, what can we do next to fix our tooth emergency? This is not a time to panic. There are practical steps we can take in order to manage these issues or avoid panic when they arise.
Dentists know that tooth emergencies can happen, and that immediate attention is important. For this reason, most dentists set aside times in their daily schedules especially for emergencies. It is important to communicate with your dentist and they will most likely be ready to accommodate you as soon as you are available.
What Are Other Helpful Tips to Fix Dental Emergencies?
Keep Floss and Tooth Preservation Products on Hand
These are oftentimes items we don’t think to add to a first aid kit, but they can be life savers when tooth problems or emergencies arise.
How to Handle a Tooth Emergency When Traveling
We know your preference, and ours, would be to visit Shining Smiles Family Dentistry first. However, there are times that emergencies occur when you’re away from home. The American Dental Association provides the online “Find a Dentist tool”. With this tool you can find an ADA-certified dentist near you.
Final Tips for Tooth Emergencies
Wear Your Mouth Guard
Sports can be rough and cause the majority of dental emergencies. Mouth guards help prevent and protect your teeth when in contact with potential causes.
Don’t Chew Hard Foods
Ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candies can all cause serious tooth cracks and are not meant to be chewed.
Don’t Use Your Teeth to Cut or Open Things
We’ve all done it, but that’s what scissors are for! It can cause significant damage.
Taking care of our teeth is important and taking steps to prevent emergencies is essential. However, accidents happen. Knowing what to do when these accidents occur makes all the difference.
Contact our dentist’s office in Marietta, GA with any other questions or concerns surrounding tooth emergencies. Remember: our teeth are counting on us!
Contact Us for Restorative Treatment and Dental Emergencies in Marietta
If you are experiencing tooth pain, gum soreness, a cracked tooth or other dental emergencies, contact Shining Smiles Family Dentistry today. Our experienced team can help with restorative dentistry treatments for the whole family. To visit us at our Marietta office, call (770) 420-8550 or request a dental appointment now.
Resource: Mouth Healthy
