Even the best oral hygiene routine cannot account for dental emergencies, and of course these don’t follow a convenient schedule. They often occur at the most inconvenient times, such as on the weekend. If you should have a dental emergency in Bradford, give us a call at South Simcoe Dental Care first, whether it is during regular office hours or not. We may be able to make time for an emergency appointment or you may be referred to a trusted colleague who can provide treatment.
The teeth or mouth can become injured as the result of an accident or sports injury. Common emergencies include:
- Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth or teeth
- Toothache
- Tooth loss
- Injury or bleeding in the soft tissues of the mouth
- Cracked tooth
- Inflammation or pain in the cheeks, face, or mouth
- Ongoing tooth pain even after taking pain relievers
If you are suffering from one of these situations, there are steps you can take to minimize discomfort and damage until you are able to receive treatment.
Knocked-out tooth
Retrieve the tooth, if possible, handling it only by the crown and not the root. Rinse it gently to clean off debris, but do not wash it with soap. Try to put the tooth back into its place and hold it there using a piece of gauze, but if this is not possible, keep the tooth in a container of saliva or milk until you are able to see your dentist in Bradford.
Toothache
A toothache can be a sign of many dental issues, such as trauma, infection, or cavities. You will need to see your dentist at South Simcoe Dental Care as soon as possible to find the source of the discomfort, but you can find pain relief with acetaminophen. Never put aspirin on sore teeth.
Sore gums
Clean around the sore area and rinse with warm saltwater. Dislodge any food that has been trapped in the teeth or between the teeth and gums. Pain relievers can be taken or if there is facial swelling, apply a cold compress.
Possible broken jaw
If you believe your jaw has been broken, it is important to keep it as stationary as possible. Use a towel, tie, or handkerchief to keep it in place and go to the emergency room immediately.