A dental emergency can happen anywhere and anytime. From candy canes and toffee treats to ice hockey and snowball fights, they may be even more common during the holiday season. It doesn’t have to ruin your festive fun though! An emergency dentist can come to the rescue. Whether you’re facing a painful toothache, a chipped tooth, or an unexpected injury to the mouth (like a knocked-out tooth), seek care immediately.
Immediately after a dental emergency, reach out to a local dentist and then follow the steps below:
1. Don’t panic!
An emergency can quickly spiral out of control if you start to worry. Instead, stay calm and take a deep breath. Clean up any mess and assess the situation.
2. Consider at-home treatment options.
To start, rinse your mouth with warm water. If you have any swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. Additionally, proper dosage of over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to relieve your pain.
3. Avoid certain foods.
Steer clear of sticky, sweet, hot, and cold foods if you’re experiencing dental discomfort. Do not mix alcohol with any medications.
Fortunately, emergency dentistry can provide a safe and effective solution to your holiday mishaps.
Here are four reasons why it’s so important to get professional help as soon as possible when facing a dental emergency:
1. It provides pain relief.
Dental emergencies often come with severe pain. Whether it’s an oral infection or a chipped tooth, an appointment with an emergency dentist will allow them to quickly diagnose and treat the problem, helping you feel more comfortable.
2. It prevents further issues.
Ignoring a dental emergency often causes more damage or complications, which may lead to more costly treatment with more extensive recovery time.
3. It saves your natural teeth.
If your teeth are knocked out or cracked, emergency dentistry may be the difference between preserving your teeth and needing veneers. At your appointment, your dentist will help you understand your options and review the care needed to ensure a successful reattachment or repair.
4. It allows for quick treatment of infections.
Like all infections, oral infections spread quickly and pose serious health risks if left untreated. Seeking out an emergency dentist at the first sign of infection helps to protect your oral health and overall well-being.
Wishing you a happy — and emergency free! — holiday season!
Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your next appointment! Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like restorative dentistry, dental anxiety, and more.