Unfortunately, dental emergencies can happen at nearly anytime to anyone. It’s not uncommon to have a tooth knocked out during a sporting event or an abscess over summer vacation that needs urgent attention. However, there are ways you can prepare for common dental emergencies. Here a few things you need to know:
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Anything that requires immediate attention due to dental trauma or injury, oral infection, or loss of dental function is considered a dental emergency. Examples include broken dentures, a cracked or broken tooth, a knocked-out permanent tooth, a severe toothache (especially if fever or swelling of the face is present), loose adult teeth, and lost fillings or crowns.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Excellent dental hygiene is one effective way to help prevent many dental problems. Additionally, keep up with regularly scheduled dental visits so that we can detect and treat any problem areas before they become emergencies. But not all emergencies can be prevented with flossing, brushing, and routine dental visits. If you participate in sports and activities that require close contact with people, equipment, or the ground, wear a protective athletic mouthguard to prevent a knocked-out tooth. To help prevent broken teeth, avoid hard foods like popcorn kernels, hard candies, tough bread, and ice, and never use your teeth as tools to open packaging. If you tend to clench your jaw or grind your teeth at night, ask us about a custom nightguard for your teeth.
How to Prepare for Dental Emergencies
Keep a first aid kit on hand at all times (especially if you’re active and play contact sports) with supplies like gauze, a tooth preservation kit, floss, temporary dental cement, dental wax, non-prescription pain relievers, salt, and a water bottle. Having gauze can help stop bleeding if a tooth falls out and a tooth preservation kit will keep your tooth moist until re-implantation. Floss can dislodge pesky food particles, and temporary dental cement can prevent sensitivity after a cracked tooth. Until you receive treatment, over-the-counter pain medication will help in cases of severe toothache, as well as a rinse of 1 teaspoon salt mixed with a cup of warm water. Finally, be sure to choose a dentist who reserves time in their daily schedule for emergency visits. You never want to be in a situation where you need to be seen by the dentist and they don’t have time to treat your emergency. At Las Cruces Dental Solutions, we reserve plenty of time in our schedule for you in case you need urgent care!
Emergency Dental Care in Las Cruces, NM
Never hesitate calling if you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency. You can rest assured knowing that we are trained to care for you and keep you comfortable in an urgent situation.
Call us ASAP at (575)-527-4746 for emergency dental care!
