6 Tips to Handle Dental Emergencies at Home

Unfortunately, dental emergencies can happen at any time and when least expected. If you or a loved one has suffered a dental emergency while at home, there are certain things you can do to help the situation before you are able to make it to a dental office. It is important you have a trusted dental team that handles emergency cases and can ensure you or your family member get the necessary care. 

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing how to handle them at home can make a significant difference in your comfort and treatment outcome. At Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team has years of experience in dealing with a wide variety of dental emergencies, from chipped teeth to severe pain. While it’s always best to seek professional care quickly, there are steps you can take at home to manage discomfort and protect your smile until you can visit us. Following proper care protocols can help minimize complications and ensure a quicker recovery once you’re in the dental chair.

How to Handle Different Dental Emergencies At Home

Dental emergencies can be highly upsetting and stressful, leaving individuals in pain and wondering what they should do to help repair the issue. Unfortunately, if you are at home and unable to see a dentist right away, you may feel helpless. However, that does not have to be the case. 

There are various tips that can help you handle various types of dental emergencies that may occur while you are at home. These include the following:

1. Severe Toothache

If you or a family member is dealing with a severe toothache, you can rinse your mouth with warm water, floss gently, and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. While you may be tempted to turn to painkillers, it is important that you avoid applying them directly to the gums. 

2. Chipped or Broken Tooth

If you have suffered a chipped or broken tooth, you should rinse your mouth with warm water. After that, you should try to find and save any broken pieces and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. If you are experiencing bleeding, apply gauze to the area with pressure to try and stop it. 

3. Lost Filling or Crown

When this type of dental emergency occurs, you will need to clean the area with warm water. If you have it, you can then use dental cement or temporary filling material to cover any exposed area. 

4. Abscess or Swelling

If you are experiencing swelling or have an abscess in your mouth, you can rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. If this does not help the situation, you should seek the intervention of a dental professional.

5. Knocked-Out Tooth

While our teeth are strong, it is possible for them to be knocked out with the right force. If this happens to you or a family member, you should immediately pick up the tooth by the crown and rinse it gently with water. You should then try to put it back in place, but if it does not stay, you will need to hold it in your mouth or put it in a small container of milk until you can get help from an emergency dentist. 

6. Jaw Injury

If you or a loved one has an injured jaw, it is important to keep the face as still as possible. In the case of a jaw injury, you should seek immediate help from an emergency dentist.

To ensure you are prepped in the event that a dental emergency occurs while at home, talk to your dentist about what you should include in your at-home dental emergency kit. Additionally, if you or a family member has suffered a dental emergency, contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible to ensure you can get the care you need.

Get Professional Help for Dental Emergencies

At Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand how frightening and stressful dental emergencies can be. Whether you’re dealing with a severe toothache, chipped tooth, or knocked-out tooth, we’re here to offer immediate and compassionate care. Our extensive experience in handling dental emergencies ensures that you’ll receive the highest quality treatment. 

Don’t let a dental emergency disrupt your life longer than it needs to — contact us today so we can help restore your comfort and smile. Call us at (860) 347-1227 or use our contact form.