Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly and can be very serious. It is important to be aware of regularly occurring dental issues and take precautions to prevent them from happening. Different activities and foods can lead to dental emergencies, and awareness of these risks is important. In an emergency, seeking a dentist as soon as possible is important. Knowing the most common dental emergencies and how to prevent them can help you stay safe and healthy.
A tooth infection can be serious and require immediate medical attention. If you experience a persistent and throbbing toothache, bacteria may have caused an abscess. This can lead to further damage to your gums and jaw. To protect your health, take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol to relieve the pain and see a dental professional as soon as possible. Don't wait if you have a fever or are in intense pain, as these could be signs of a more serious problem.
If you notice any bleeding in your mouth, it could be a sign of gum disease or gingivitis. Don't be alarmed, but it's best to visit a dental professional ASAP to check it out. Bleeding gums may signal more serious conditions like cancer or gum disease.
Mouth ulcers can be caused by the sharp edges of braces rubbing against the skin in your mouth, or canker sores could cause them. Even though you may believe you can treat them with an antiseptic ointment, it's best to still check with your doctor. These mouth ulcers may also indicate gum disease. Seeing your dental expert right away can help to identify and treat gum disease quickly and also help to stop mouth ulcers from becoming more severe.
No matter the cause, if you have a tooth that has become dislodged, don't panic. Act quickly by contacting your emergency dentist and handling the tooth with care. Time is of the essence, and if you act within the first 30 minutes of losing the tooth, you may have the option of reattaching it. Be sure to handle the tooth only by the crown, and do your best to keep it in a clean, moist environment until you can get to the clinic.
Yawning or eating something too big can cause a dislocated jaw, a common injury. This usually happens when you get into an accident, like a bike, scooter, car crash, or from playing sports or falling. If you have a broken jaw, it's important to go to the hospital for help, but you should also put a cold compress on the area. Your dental expert can also help diagnose any long-term damage done to your teeth because of the injury.
When dental emergencies happen, it’s best not to panic. Remember to give yourself the necessary first aid. However, you need not take matters into your own hands. Contact your emergency doctor immediately!
If you're dealing with a dental emergency, Maple Smiles Dentistry is here to help. We offer a variety of solutions to common dental problems such as broken teeth, bleeding gums, and more. Contact us now at +1 (604) 391-1010 or reception@maplesmiles.ca to book your appointment with a dentist in Chilliwack!
