Holiday Dental Emergency – What to Do If Tooth Trouble Strikes

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it’s also a time when a dental emergency can catch you off guard. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a lost filling, or a broken tooth, knowing how to respond to dental emergencies is crucial.

Toothache Troubles

A toothache can be excruciating and disruptive to your holiday plans. If you experience a sudden toothache:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the affected area.
• Use dental floss to remove any debris or food particles that may be causing discomfort.
• If you are prone to allergies or sinus trouble, try taking an allergy medicine with a decongestant, such as Zyrtec-D or Claritin-D to see if your toothache is from sinus pressure.
• If the pain persists, take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the label, but avoid placing them directly on the gums.

Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a filling or crown can be distressing, but there are steps you can take to manage the situation:

• Keep the lost filling or crown in a safe place.
• Clean the affected tooth gently and try to reposition the crown with dental adhesive or temporary dental cement available at most drugstores. Do not use superglue!
• Avoid chewing on the tooth until you can visit us.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken or chipped tooth is not only painful but can also be an aesthetic concern. Here’s what to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
• Save any broken tooth fragments.
• Use dental wax or sugarless gum to protect the damaged area and prevent injury to the tongue or cheek.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a severe dental emergency that requires immediate action to save the tooth:

• Handle the tooth by the crown (the tooth part) and avoid touching the root.
• Rinse the tooth gently with water, but don’t scrub it.
• Try to immediately reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible. If not possible, store it in a cup of milk or saliva.

Time is of the essence in a knocked-out tooth situation, so contact your dentist immediately or visit the nearest emergency dental clinic.

Emergency Dentistry in Hermitage, TN

Once the situation is under control, it’s always best to contact an emergency dentist near you for professional guidance and care. Experiencing a dental emergency in Hermitage, TN? Contact us today!

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Categorised in: Dental Emergencies