Picture this: it’s late at night, and your gums begin to bleed mysteriously. Or, you’re playing your favorite sport and accidentally get hit in the face, knocking out a tooth. Knowing what to do during a dental emergency is critical! We’ll review a handy checklist of do’s and don’t and why having a dental emergency in Mishawaka, Indiana, has never been easier.
How to Avoid Dental Emergencies:
Fortunately, you can take plenty of steps to keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape and avoid any sudden dental mishaps. For example, keeping cavities and decay at bay with regular brushing is a great place to start! Avoid using your teeth as tools or biting on complex objects like ice or candy. Wear a mouthguard during sports or other physical activities. Stay hydrated, and be cautious around sugary drinks and acidic foods.
Attending dental checkups is another great preventative measure, as we can identify risks down the road, professionally clean your teeth, and floss between your chompers. Schedule a dental checkup here today, and thank yourself tomorrow!
DO’S:
- Stay Calm: Stay calm, think critically, and take decisive action. Do you need a dentist? Do you need 911? A conscious mind will help you make better decisions.
- Contact Your Dentist: Call us as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment. The sooner you get seen, the better the chances are of saving your tooth or resolving the issue.
- Control the Bleeding: If you’re experiencing bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze until the bleeding stops.
- Use Cold Compresses: Use a cold compress on the affected area for swelling and pain. It’ll reduce pain and inflammation.
- Rinse Your Mouth: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
- Take Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate pain until you can see a dentist.
DON’TS:
- Don’t Ignore the Issue: Ignoring a dental emergency can lead to severe consequences, such as permanent damage to your teeth or gums.
- Don’t Panic: Panicking can cause you to make rash decisions that could worsen the situation. Take a deep breath and stay calm.
- Don’t Use Heat: Heat can worsen swelling and pain, so avoid using heat on the affected area.
- Don’t Use Aspirin: Aspirin is a blood thinner and can worsen bleeding. Stick to acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. Ice packs can also reduce swelling.
- Don’t Try to Fix it Yourself: Trying to fix a dental emergency yourself can lead to further damage or infection. Leave it to us- we’ve trained our entire lives for this moment!
- Don’t Wait: Dental emergencies are time-sensitive, so don’t wait to seek treatment. The longer you wait, the worse the situation can become.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
It can be challenging to know what qualifies as a dental emergency. The best way to determine if you need immediate dental care is to ask yourself, “Is this situation causing me severe pain or discomfort?” If the answer is yes, it’s time to seek emergency dental care. Dental emergencies may include:
- Knocked out teeth
- Broken jaw
- Severe bleeding or swelling
- Fallen out crown
- Dental abscess
When such an emergency occurs, it’s critical to act quickly! This way, we can minimize pain and adverse long-term effects and treat the condition more effectively. So don’t hesitate to call us for any emergency you might have- let’s save your pearly whites and keep your smile pristine.
Our Emergency Number: 574-621-3553
Dental Emergencies in Mishawaka, Indiana
Emergencies can happen at any time, but with this handy checklist, you’ll be ready to tackle any dental crisis that comes your way. Remember, the most important thing is to stay calm, act quickly, and seek professional help from your emergency dentist. At Twin Branch Dental, we are always here to help you through any dental emergency, big or small. Your oral health and well-being are our top priorities! Dr. Mike Hewlett and Dr. Andrew Zaremba are always here to help.
So keep this list handy, and call us if trouble starts brewing!
