Although we try to avoid dental emergencies, we still need to be prepared for when they do occur. Events such as a child's tumble or an abrupt and inexplicable toothache might happen at any time.
In this post, we share ways to prepare and respond to these instances confidently.
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Essential Steps to Prepare for Dental Emergencies
Step 1: Familiarize Common Dental Issues
While we cannot tell when emergencies will happen, knowing which incidents require immediate action can help mitigate damage. Here’s a quick list of common emergency dental situations:
- Toothache. It may be a sign of tooth decay or infection.
- Broken or chipped teeth. The tooth may still be saved with prompt care.
- Lost teeth. Taking the right action can increase the chances of successful reimplantation.
- Crown or lost filling. If left untreated, this could cause further damage.
- Abscess. A pus-filled pocket that can cause widespread infection if ignored.
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Step 2: Prepare a Dental First-Aid Kit
It helps to store a dental first-aid kit, just as how standard first-aid kits are kept in homes. Your kit can include the following:
- Sterile gauze. Used for wound care, sterile gauze can absorb blood and other fluids and promote healing.
- Dental cement. This over-the-counter material can provide a temporary solution for lost fillings or crowns.
- Salt. This one’s a kitchen staple, but you can also store some in your dental kit to prepare a soothing rinse for oral injuries.
- Ice pack. Applying an ice pack can reduce swelling and soothe pain.
- Small container with lid. This is where you can store a knocked-out tooth and keep it moist in milk or saliva.
- Contact information for your dentist: Be sure to include after-hours contact details.
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Step 3: Establish a Relationship with a Dentist
Regular dental care is the best way to reduce the risks of oral health issues, and having a dentist you can trust will keep you at ease.
Choose a dentist that meets your family’s needs and stay on top of your routine appointments. Find out what their emergency procedures are or what they recommend for after-hour emergencies.
Start by asking for referrals from your family, friends, or general physician. Then, take the time to visit or call the dental offices. Gauge if the team is the right fit for you and your loved ones, particularly if anyone in the family requires special care.
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Step 4: Learn Basic First Aid for Dental Emergencies
While you're bound to seek professional help, familiarizing yourself with the first steps to take can be very beneficial during emergencies.
- For toothaches. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and gently floss to remove any food stuck in your teeth.
- For knocked-out teeth. Handle the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. You may rinse it with tap water but don’t wash it with soap or scrub. You may also try to put it back in the socket. If not possible, keep it moist until you can see a dentist.
- For bites or cuts. Clean the area and apply pressure with gauze to stop bleeding.
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Step 5: Stay Proactive to Avoid Problems
Not all situations can be stopped, but the potential damage can be reduced through the following:
- Ensuring regular dental visits. Seeing your dentist regularly will help you identify issues and deal with them quickly before they progress.
- Maintaining proper oral hygiene. Dental care doesn’t stop at dental appointments. Good oral hygiene must be maintained to reduce the risk of infections and decay.
- Wearing mouthguards during sports. Protect teeth from trauma or potential damage by using a custom mouthguard from the dental office.
- Avoiding hard foods that can crack teeth. Think ice or hard candies, and practice breaking down hard meat or food into smaller pieces before biting into them
- Using teeth only for eating. Avoid using your teeth as a tool for tearing packages or opening bottles.
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Step 6: Educate Family Members
Make sure that everyone in your family, even the younger ones are aware of common dental emergencies, how to use the dental first-aid kit, and what to do in an emergency. Practicing drills can help you feel less anxious and more confident during actual emergencies.
Taking family members to the dental office also allows you to seek first-aid advice straight from your dentist. This is especially beneficial if a loved one requires special attention.
Emergency Dental Care in Northwest, Calgary, Alberta
Gathering supplies isn’t enough to prepare for emergencies. It’s important to remain calm and act fast. The quicker the response time, the higher the chances of saving a tooth.
By getting everyone in the family involved, you give yourself peace of mind should these incidents arise while you’re away. We cannot predict when emergencies will occur, but our preparedness can help keep the situation under control.
These incidents can be frightening, but you’re not alone. Contact Northwest Dental if you require emergency dental care in Northwest Calgary, Alberta. We make every effort to help you feel better as quickly as possible.