Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial because it helps prevent many oral health problems, such as gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and tooth loss. Good oral hygiene also helps to maintain overall health and well-being, as research has linked oral health to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. Regular flossing, brushing, and dental check-ups can help ensure good oral hygiene.
According to research, at least 87% of Chicago children (one-year-olds) receive preventative dental care, whereas 66% of adults go for dental check-ups. Although the numbers look good, there is still some room for improvement. Understanding different types of emergency dental cases is important because it helps individuals to recognize and respond promptly to dental emergencies. Early recognition and prompt action can prevent further damage, reduce pain and discomfort, and increase the chances of saving a damaged tooth.
5 Common Emergency Dental Situations and How to Handle Them
Emergency dental situations are unexpected events that require immediate attention from a dental professional at a reputable Chicago emergency dental clinic. Here are five everyday emergency dental situations and how to handle them:
Knocked-out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is also known as an avulsed tooth. It’s a dental emergency where a tooth has been dislodged from its socket in the jawbone due to trauma, such as a blow to the face or an accident.
In this situation, the tooth is no longer attached to the supporting tissues and can be lost permanently if not treated promptly. The faster a knocked-out tooth is re-implanted into its socket or preserved in a suitable solution, the greater the chance of saving the tooth and preserving normal function and appearance.
If a tooth has been knocked out, try to retrieve it, holding it by the crown and not the root. Rinse it gently and attempt to place it back into the socket if possible. If not, keep the tooth in a glass of milk or a container of saliva until you reach a dentist.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a painful bacterial infection that can lead to health problems if not treated promptly. It can occur in the gums, between the gum and tooth, or at the root of a tooth. Dental abscesses are accompanied by
- Severe pain
- Swelling,
- Sometimes a bad taste in the mouth.
The infection can spread to other tissues and can result in serious health problems if not given immediate medical attention. The treatment for a dental abscess typically involves drainage of the infection and antibiotics to clear the infection. In some cases, the affected tooth may need extraction.
Toothache
A toothache is a pain or discomfort in or around a tooth. Toothache is due to many factors, including;
- Tooth decay,
- A broken or cracked tooth,
- Gum disease,
- An infected filling,
- A loose or broken filling,
- A damaged crown,
- An impacted wisdom tooth
Toothaches can range from mild discomfort to severe pain accompanied by sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling, and tenderness in the gums. Treatment for a toothache depends on the underlying cause and may include filling a cavity, removing a damaged filling, or treating gum disease.
Soft Tissue Injury
Soft tissue injury in the mouth refers to any injury to the tissues that make up the lips, gums, tongue, and cheeks. Soft tissue injuries can be caused by trauma, such as a bite or cut, or burns from hot foods or drinks.
Soft tissue injuries can sometimes be quite painful and cause swelling and bleeding. To treat a soft tissue injury, rinse the affected area with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
If the bleeding is too much or does not stop, seek prompt medical or dental attention. Sometimes, you may need stitches to close the wound and promote healing. Be careful when eating to avoid biting the inside of the mouth to prevent soft tissue injuries.
In Conclusion
Caring for your teeth and gums can help ensure a healthy mouth and bright smile. Health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke are linked to bad oral health. For children, it’s really important to protect them from a young age. Chicago Public Schools have information online about specific dental examinations as well as oral health programs in coordination with the Chicago Department of Public Health.
