While it would be convenient to address dental issues only at annual appointments, it doesn’t always work that way. Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. And you want to take the right steps to manage your pain and get help.
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From building a dental first aid kit to finding care, you need to stay calm but move quickly. Read on to find out how to prepare for dental emergencies at home.
Put together a dental first aid kit
When you’re faced with a dental emergency, don’t panic. Build a small first aid kit focused on dental needs.
Include common pain relievers such as ibuprofen and a small container of saline solution. Add some cotton balls, disposable gloves and an instant ice pack. And throw in a soft brush, dental wax, and short-term dental fillers.
Place these items in an accessible box or travel bag. Also write your dentist’s phone number on the card so you can call for after-hours assistance. And put this item in the bathroom cabinet near the common items, like a sunflower or bug spray so you can always find them.
Pain assessment
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, start by considering the level of pain. If it is mild, you may experience a small cavity or tooth sensitivity. In these cases, try to manage the pain using your first aid kit until you can see your dentist during regular business hours.
If you are dealing with severe pain, swelling, or fever, you may need to seek immediate care. Similarly, if there is bleeding that does not stop, it is better to contact him immediately. You don’t want to miss an infection or end up with excessive blood loss.
In cases where a tooth is knocked out of your mouth or injured, do not delay in seeking help. When you are quick, you can save the tooth.
Manage your situation at home
You may not be able to see a dentist right away for your problem. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may have to wait hours or days. Make sure to take some precautions at home while you wait.
Take medicine to relieve severe pain or headache. Avoid hot food or drinks and rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce bacteria. A cold compress can provide relief and keep swelling under control.
If you have lost a tooth, wash it and put it in a glass of milk. Milk can help preserve the root cells and keep the tooth moist until you visit the dentist.
Know when to get emergency help
While you can safely manage some issues at home, others require immediate care. If the cramping pain doesn’t go away or you notice a lot of swelling, get help. Fever, uncontrollable bleeding, and broken teeth are other reasons to seek emergency care.
Knowing when you should seek after-hours care isn’t always easy. You can follow the tips Safe dental abscess pain management at home, for example, but you don’t want the infection to go unchecked and cause more damage.
Stay calm, take a deep breath, treat symptoms immediately, and reassess. When you are struggling to swallow or breathe, or notice significant swelling, it is best to make an emergency dental appointment or go to an urgent care clinic.
Look for a dentist outside of regular business hours
Finding a dentist on weekends or at night can be difficult. Fortunately, there are several ways to begin your search.
Search for online emergency dentists in your geographic area. Several names or practices should appear. Click on the clinic links to find the phone number and weekend hours.
Your regular dentist may have a message on his voicemail that tells you what to do in after-hours scenarios. Have a pen and paper ready to write down a name or phone number. Aim to write this information down before an emergency and post the contacts on your refrigerator door or keep them in an office drawer.
Be prepared for a dental emergency
You don’t want to be blindsided by a dental emergency, especially if it’s not during regular business hours. Prepare a dental emergency kit, assess your symptoms, and manage your immediate symptoms.
If necessary, see a dentist or seek emergency care. When you are calm and prepared, you can take care of your dental situation.
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Our editorial team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions are not necessarily those of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under medical supervision, talk to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommendations in this article.
