Dental emergencies: developing the right reflexes

In dental emergencies, there is no point in panicking: your dentist will find the solution to solve your problem. This is why it is essential to consult it quickly when an urgent situation arises. However, there are things you can do before your consultation to relieve pain, limit damage, and/or make your dentist's job easier. Here are some tips to help you develop the right reflexes when certain situations arise.

What to do in case of tooth pain?

Toothache is usually a sign of an infection, including dental caries: a common and relatively mild disease that can, however, worsen and cause severe problems (pulp infection, dental abscess). It is therefore important to react quickly in case of pain:

·         Mild or moderate pain: Contact your dentist in Arlington, VA, to make an appointment within a reasonable time. If the pain worsens, you can take painkillers (Tylenol or Advil), following the dosage carefully.

·         A sharp and/or sudden pain which prevents you from sleeping at night or which calms down on contact with the cold: Contact your dentist to have an appointment within 24 to 72 hours. In the meantime, take over-the-counter pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, Oragel) to reduce the pain and apply ice to your cheek.

·         Sharp pain accompanied by swelling and pus: This is probably a sign of a dental abscess, so it is important to consult quickly for tooth abscess pain relief fast. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with salt water and relieve the pain by taking painkillers and applying warm compresses.

How to react when a tooth comes out of its socket?

Because of a shock or a blow received in the mouth, a tooth comes out of its alveolus (its location in the gum). In such a case, it is important to act quickly to prevent the tissues of the periodontal ligament from deteriorating, which would make it difficult to put the tooth back in place. Actions can also be taken to facilitate the recovery of the expelled tooth.

·         Contact a dentist for prompt treatment.

·         Quickly collect the tooth, always avoiding handling it by the root, then rinse it without rubbing it.

·         Keep the tooth in optimal condition before your appointment. If possible, hold it in place in your mouth. Otherwise, keep it in saliva, milk, or a saline solution sold for this use in pharmacies.

What to do if a tooth or a filling has fractured?

If a tooth cracks or breaks, it is important to consult quickly, even if you do not feel pain. Indeed, the pulp of the tooth could have been affected, which requires devitalization of the tooth before it can be repaired. Some gestures can also help:

·         Contact a dentist promptly, especially if you see blood or a red dot where the tooth broke.

·         Recover the broken part of the tooth or filling (filling) so that your dentist can use it in their repair.

·         If it is a piece of the natural tooth, keep it in saliva, milk or a saline solution sold in pharmacies.

Regardless of the type of dental emergency, acting quickly to facilitate your recovery is important.