Dental emergencies include chipped or knocked-out teeth, lost crowns, broken braces or dislodged teeth. You do not have to panic once you have a dental emergency. The extract below discusses a few ways in which you can alleviate the pain and discomfort and preserve the tooth before you get to the dentist.

Rinse Your Mouth

For knocked-out teeth, rinse your mouth with warm, salty water. To control the bleeding, place some gauze on your gum. 

Store the Tooth Safely

Search the area where the tooth was knocked out. When you find it, clean it carefully of any blood stains or dirt to minimize contamination and place it in milk. This is important because the chemical constituents of milk are compatible with a tooth's structure, so the cells inside the roots will remain constant in size without swelling; therefore, it will not burst. If milk is not available, use your saliva. The significance of storing it like this is to increase the chances of saving it before getting to a dentist to have the tooth reattached.

Apply Toothpaste

If only part of the crown broke, you could apply some toothpaste containing fluoride to the affected area. Additionally, place the broken part on top of the tooth and close your mouth tightly until you get to the dentist. However, do not attempt to reattach the tooth if it's a baby tooth. This is because, with your inexperience, you might exert unnecessary force on the area, destroying the nerve endings that give rise to the development of permanent teeth.

Exert Pressure with Ice

Take some ice and place it on the affected area. Not only will it reduce swelling, but it will also reduce any discomfort that you may be experiencing. However, do not put the ice in direct contact with the area; instead, use an ice bag.

Avoid Hot or Cold Drinks

Broken enamel is highly sensitive to hot and cold drinks. Therefore, if you have to drink something, it should be fairly warm.  

Some dental emergencies can be prevented by observing good dental hygiene. For example, regular brushing can help prevent tooth infections. 

You must remain calm regardless of the situation. Preferably, you should contact your emergency dentist to handle the situation. The dentist will alleviate your pain and help save your tooth. Do not be worried if the tooth cannot be saved, as your dentist could make you dentures or give you an implant to replace the missing teeth. 

For more information, reach out to an emergency dental professional.

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