A dental emergency can happen to anyone of any age. Frequently they occur at inopportune times when care is difficult to find. Knowing how to handle a dental emergency is important because it can make the difference between losing a tooth and saving it.

What Is A Dental Emergency?

Most dental emergencies involve an accident of some type that has caused injury to a tooth. Other emergencies could include a tooth that has become abscessed accompanied by fever and swelling. Examples of dental emergencies can include the following:

  • A fractured tooth can present an emergency. This can occur from a car crash, sporting accident, or a spill off a bicycle. Children and teens are highly susceptible to the type of accidents that might cause a tooth fracture. The fracture can be serious and cause considerable pain.
  • A tooth that has been knocked out is an emergency. There is normally a considerable amount of bleeding with this type of accident, which can be caused by a fall or even a fight. Use a cold compress to help control bleeding. If you locate the knocked out tooth, it is possible it can be replanted if done quickly. The window of replant opportunity is small. Place the tooth in some cold milk and don’t let it dry out.
  • An extruded tooth is one that has been forced from its position in the mouth. Do not try and force it back into the correct position. This is considered an emergency, and care should be sought immediately.
  • A broken jaw is a fracture of the face and is a major emergency. Call 911 or take the victim to the hospital right away. Be sure the person’s breathing is not hindered in any way to avoid a life-threatening consequence. If you are not sure if the jaw is broken, you should still seek emergency care to be on the safe side.
  • Anytime an injury results in a tooth being damaged and includes a lot of bleeding, do not take chances. Go to the SignatureCare Emergency Center.

Examples of a Dental Emergencies

  1. A knocked out a tooth (adult) must be kept moist in the hope it can be replanted. Place the tooth between your gums and cheek or put it in a small container of cold milk. Go immediately to the dentist.
  2. If you have a cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water. To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress. Make a same day emergency appointment with your dentist.
  3. When a dental emergency occurs, get to your dentist the same day or go to the hospital emergency room. Injuries to the mouth can be very serious and involve more than your teeth. Don’t take chances with your dental and mouth health.

Is Your Dental Emergency Serious Enough For An Emergency Room Visit?

If you have been involved in some type of an accident or are a victim of a physical attack, and the mouth or teeth have been injured and are bleeding, you should go to the emergency room. If you have been injured and your mouth and teeth are experiencing severe pain, go to the emergency room. You could possibly have a broken jaw or other facial fracture.

Emergency Dental Care In Houston TX

If you need emergency dental care in Houston TX, there are a number of clinics that offer services.

Affordable Dental Care In Houston TX

There are a number of dental care facilities in the Houston area that offer monthly payments for treatments, including Castle Dental Care, Houston Community Health Center, Eastwood Health Center, and Lovett Dental.

Protect Your Teeth With Good Dental Health Practices

  • If you participate in sports or recreational activities, wear a protective mouth guard.
  • Never chew ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels.
  • Don’t use your teeth as a tool to bite through plastic clothing tags or for any purpose other than chewing your food.
  • Don’t engage in physical altercations to reduce your risk of receiving a facial and mouth injury.
  • Don’t show off when engaging in recreational activities such as bike-riding or gymnastic-type flips and jumps.
  • Don’t smoke or chew tobacco. Not only do tobacco products stain your teeth and smell bad, but they also contribute to oral and lung cancers.
  • Brush your teeth a minimum of two times a day. When food breaks down, it causes acid buildup on your teeth. When unable to brush, rinse your mouth with water after eating.
  • Floss your teeth at least once a day. You will be able to remove food particles that have lodged in the teeth. You can get much deeper with flossing than with a toothbrush.
  • Brush your tongue every day. You will remove countless bacteria that cause bad breath and can be bad for your dental health.
  • Avoid soda and other sugary drinks. The ingredients of these drinks cause tooth decay and gum disease. The corn syrup and food coloring contained in many beverages can make teeth appear dull or discolored. Water is healthy for your teeth and your body.
  • Eat foods that are rich in calcium, which is good for both teeth and bones. Foods such as broccoli, kale, sunflower seeds, green beans, baby carrots, figs, sweet potatoes, oranges, and butternut squash are foods with high calcium content.
  • Visit your dentist twice a year and anytime you experience pain or discomfort in a tooth. Your dentist will do a full exam, including x-rays to detect problems not visible to the eye. Your exams are designed to prevent dental issues before they become a problem.

It’s important to take good care of your teeth as they affect your overall health. Poor oral health practices cause cavities, gum disease, and digestion problems. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a year or more, make an appointment now. Don’t risk losing your teeth to disease.