The best way to prepare for a dental emergency is to educate yourself on appropriate actions to take when you find yourself in a frightening situation.
Dental emergencies can be just as alarming as medical emergencies. You want to make sure you have the tools necessary for getting help should you experience a dental emergency, either with yourself, or your children or grandchildren.
Toothaches: While toothaches aren’t necessarily an emergency, they can sometimes be painful and make you very uncomfortable. Try washing your mouth with warm salt water and taking an over the counter pain medication. Contact your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible.
Lost Tooth: If a permanent tooth is knocked out, time is of the essence. You may be able to re-implant the tooth. In order to give you the best chance, call your dentist immediately and try and get in to see him within 30 minutes. Transport your tooth in a glass of milk if available. If not, a glass of salt water will do.
Broken or Fractured Jaw: If you have a broken jaw, you will likely feel pain in the face or jaw and have swelling and bruising. Your jaw may not work properly. To control swelling, apply a cold compress. Stabilize the jaw using a bandage wrapped beneath the jaw and tied on top of the head and get to the nearest ER quickly.
While these dental emergencies are by far the most common, they are not the only ones that could happen. It’s important to remember in an emergency situation to take deep breaths and try to keep calm. Get to the nearest dentist or doctor immediately.