Don't Let These Dental Problems Throw You

Dental visits are the best way to deal with a professional cleaning and check-up. Outside of that, however, you may experience some of the below problems and wonder how to cope until you see the dentist. Read on for some ways to deal with a few common dental emergencies while you wait for your appointment.

Knocked-out Tooth

No matter how it happened, a lost tooth can be alarming. It's easy to assume the worst and think only very expensive solutions can replace that tooth, but not necessarily. If you are able to preserve the tooth and get to the dentist right away, it can be put back in place and wired to the teeth on each side. Eventually, the tooth will become bonded and the wires can be removed. To preserve a knocked-out tooth, you can gently wash it off and put it back in the mouth or place it in water or milk. Do not remove any attached gum material from the tooth.

Lost Filling

When you lose a filling, only your dentist can provide a permanent fix for it. That doesn't mean, though, that there is nothing you can do to alleviate the discomfort till you see the dentist. The surprising solution for a lost filling is simple and effective and involves a piece of sugar-free chewing gum. Gently place the gum in the place where the filling used to be. In the meantime, it's important to stick to soft and easy-to-chew foods for the time being so that you don't further damage the tooth. You can also use over-the-counter dental cement to temporarily make the tooth more secure. Deal with the pain using over-the-counter pain relievers.

Infections in Your Gums

Not all abscesses cause pain, but you can still feel the effects of this serious gum infection nevertheless. An abscess is a pocket of infection that often contains puss and feels tender or painful. You can also experience fevers and general feelings of being unwell with an abscess. Unfortunately, this is a very serious condition that will only worsen over time. The infection can spread to other areas of the body and negatively affect you to the point that things become life-threatening. If you notice an abscess, call your dentist right away and follow their instructions. If you begin to feel seriously unwell prior to your appointment, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

If a dental emergency pops up, phone dentists in your area for the best advice and keep up with your regular check-ups.