If you’re at a sports game or in a restaurant, the last thing you’d expect is to experience a dental emergency. Whatever the case is, it can feel unsettling, especially if you aren’t sure what to do about it. Fortunately, you won’t have to handle the situation unprepared. Keep reading to learn how to find an emergency dentist when you need one and steps you should take to prevent one in the future!
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
The most common way to know if you have a dental emergency is if you’re feeling tooth discomfort. This can vary from mild to severe, and whichever case can have an underlying issue that needs to be treated at the source. Here are several symptoms you would certainly seek urgent care for:
- Teeth or jaw pain
- Cracked or broken tooth
- A knocked-out tooth
- Soft tissue injury
- Constantly aching gums
How Do You Find an Emergency Dentist?
Should you experience any of the common dental emergency symptoms, you’ll need to contact your dentist right away. They’ll give you a phone number for urgent care as well as directions on how to manage your situation. If you reach their voicemail, still inform them of your condition and symptoms in as much detail as possible. They should get back to you swiftly, but if your discomfort persists or is too severe, then you should quickly go to your closest emergency room for help.
Ways to Prevent a Dental Emergency
Sometimes dental emergencies happen out of nowhere, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risks of experiencing one later on. These simple preventive methods include:
- Wearing a mouthguard whenever performing sports or physical activities.
- Staying away from eating ice, as biting it can wear your enamel down and chip or break your pearly whites.
- Avoiding the use of your teeth as opening tools, such as with envelopes or packages.
- Practicing a proper dental hygiene; making sure to brush and floss on a daily basis.
- Visiting your dentist often for checkups and cleanings, allowing them to detect and treat any developing issues early on.
So, if you have a dental emergency, remain calm and call your dentist immediately. After providing you with a swift and efficient treatment, you’ll be right back on track with a healthy smile!