5 Things to Do in a Dental Emergency

When you have a dental emergency, every second before you enter the dentist's chair can feel like an eternity. It's critical to know what steps to take if you've been in an accident and knocked your teeth out or if your crown has unexpectedly broken. Vida Dentistry is always here for your needs.

1. Relieve the Pain

Take Advil and/or Tylenol as directed as soon as a dental injury occurs. If you have other over-the-counter pain relievers that you prefer, use those instead. This could not only make you feel better but also help keep the swelling at bay. If you have an infection, medication can help to reduce or prevent fever.

2. Use Heat or Cold

Repeatedly use a hot or cold compress for a few minutes at a time. This is a quick way to relieve pressure in your mouth, especially if it's throbbing. If a hot compress doesn’t work, try a cold compress. Whichever relieves the pain should be used.

3. Rinse Your Mouth With Water

There are plenty of mouthwash products available. There are other options if Listerine is too much for your mouth to handle while it is in pain. Alcohol-free mouthwashes can be extremely effective while also being gentler on your teeth. A tried-and-true home remedy is saltwater. Simply rinse your mouth with a solution of warm water and salt. This will disinfect and soothe your gums, as well as help clean out any loose particles that may be irritating them.

4. Apply Pressure

You can ease the pain in your mouth by applying pressure to the affected areas. Use a clean gauze or tissue and avoid touching the affected area too much.

5. Consult Your Dentist

When you have a dental emergency, you must act quickly. If it is the result of a head injury or an accident, go to the emergency room first before contacting your dentist. After you've double-checked everything, it's time to call your dentist.

Vida Dentistry is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for dental emergencies. We'll get you in as soon as possible and prescribe antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-anxiety medications as needed. Then we'll decide whether surgery is necessary. To learn more about our emergency dental services, call (949) 209-8889, visit us at 25270 Marguerite Pkwy Suite C, Mission Viejo, CA 92692, or send us an email at vidadentistry@gmail.com.