What Qualifies As a Dental Emergency?

Just as in any medical field, there are situations in the dental fields that constitute as "dental emergencies"when someone needs rather immediate care for an orally-related problem or issue. Knowing what constitutes a "dental emergency" can help you determine if you need treatment right away or if it can wait for your dentist's regular office hours.

There are a variety of situations that constitute a "dental emergency," and when they happen on a holiday or a weekend, you still need treatment even if its outside your dentist's regular office hours. The following are situations that may constitute such emergencies:

Having a broken or chipped tooth can become serious in certain situations. If you chip a tooth near the front of your mouth, it may seem challenging to handle until you can get dental treatment for it. In these cases, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and follow that up with a cold compress that can help reduce any swelling that you may experience. Apply gauze to any bleeding gums.

These injuries can come from anything getting hit in the mouth with a ball or stick while playing sports; you know how easily these injuries can happen. These injuries can result in anything from soft tissue damage to chipped or completely lost teeth. If bleeding occurs, then wash out your mouth with warm water and stop the bleeding with a gauze.

Be aware that even if your teeth stay intact, there can still be soft tissue damage that is done by a hard hit to the mouth in contact sports.

Failed dental work in the past can become quite uncomfortable although it may not always constitute a dental emergency. Losing a crown or filling is more inconvenient than it is an emergency. If you find yourself dealing with a similar situation, save the piece of dental work that fell out and contacts your dentist right away to make an appointment to replace it. Protect both your tongue and cheek in the meantime so that you're not cut by the sharp edges.

The key to avoiding these situations is oftentimes as simple as safety and prevention. Safety and prevention allow you to avoid many dental emergencies and keep your oral health in top condition. Some great tips to help you protect your oral health include the following:

• Be sure your oral hygiene includes brushing and flossing daily.
• Wear appropriate protective gear such as mouth guards while playing sports.
• Make sure that all of your prior dental work is still in great shape every time you see your dentist (ask if necessary).
• Minimize your exposure to harmful foods such as sugary soft drinks and sugar-filled candies.

These basic tips can help keep your risk of dental emergencies as low as possible. The more you take care of your oral health, the less likely you are to have severe problems that constitute emergencies.

At Georgetown Family Dentistry, we promote prevention to help minimize dental emergencies. If you feel that you have a dental emergency that is an immediate threat to your health, visiting the emergency room can be an alternative option for treatment until you can get in to see your dentist. For further assistance in preventing dental emergencies for yourself or your family, please feel free to contact usfor further assistance.