Actions to take in the event of an emergency dental situation

As any injury to the teeth or gums can be serious, it is important that it is attended to promptly. In the event you have a dental problem after hours you will need to find the services of a Boston emergency dentist, otherwise you risk potentially extensive care later.

In the event you have a dental emergency, here are a few tips on what you should do:

• Toothache: The first things to do are to rinse with warm water, brush and floss; these actions will dislodge any food particles. If the gum is swollen, apply an ice pack. Under no circumstances ever place an aspirin on the gum; this can easily lead to a burn and further problems. Once you have stabilized the situation see a Boston emergency dentist.

• Knocked-out tooth: If you suffer an injury that results in a knocked out tooth, rinse it immediately with water; do not hold the tooth by the root, do not scrub it and do not remove any tissue that may be attached to it. Try to replace the tooth in the open socket but do not force it. If the tooth will not go back in the socket, put it in milk. Get to the Boston emergency dentist as quickly as possible; the best chance for the tooth to re-root is if the dentist can reunite it with the socket within three hours.

• Lost filling: Until you get to the dentist, you can put a wad of sugarless gum into the cavity. Do not use sugared gum, this will cause pain. See the dentist as soon as possible.

• Lost crown: In the event you lose a crown get to the dentist as soon as you can, take the crown with you. If you suffer pain try dabbing a little oil of clove on the affected area. If possible, try to set the crown back in position, first dab it with a spot of toothpaste, dental adhesive or OTC dental cement; never use super glue.

• Abscess: An abscess can form on a tooth root or between the tooth and gum. An abscess is painful and appears somewhat like a pimple. See the Boston emergency dentist as soon as you can, in the meantime rinsing with a mild solution of salt and water may give some relief.

Any issue with your teeth should not be left untreated. Maintaining proper dental hygiene should be a way of life, but even then, emergencies occur.