No one ever expects a dental emergency to happen to them, but it’s a common situation for many Americans. In fact, 1 in 6 people requires urgent dental attention annually. Although there’s never a good time for one to occur, if you have a dental emergency during the holidays, it can throw a huge kink in your plans. Don’t worry, your emergency dentist in San Antonio will provide you with the quick care you need. While you wait for your appointment, here are a few tips to help you handle the most common holiday dental emergencies.
Bitten Lip or Tongue
As you enjoy your favorite holiday snacks and dishes, it’s easy to bite your lip or tongue. Besides a sudden jab of pain, you might also experience some bleeding. You’ll want to gently clean the area and rinse your mouth with a saltwater mixture to cleanse the wound and reduce any inflammation. Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling. The bleeding should dissipate in a few minutes; however, if you can’t get it to stop, skip the emergency dentist. Instead, head to the hospital immediately.
You can help ensure you don’t bite your lip or tongue by eating slowly. Cut your food into smaller pieces and chew carefully to avoid injuring your soft tissues.
Broken Tooth
A broken tooth can occur suddenly, such as when chewing a piece of hard candy or from a blow to your face. No matter the reason, you’ll want to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. It’s best to avoid chewing with the tooth and keep it clean until your appointment. You can use an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage any discomfort. A cold compress can also reduce any swelling.
Although you can’t fully prevent a tooth from breaking, there are several things you can do to lessen your risk of one, such as avoid overly hard foods and wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.
Toothache
There isn’t anything worse than a toothache, but it doesn’t need to interrupt your holiday gatherings. Instead, keep your tooth clean and use a home pain reliever to manage your discomfort. It’s best to contact your dentist right away for treatment, even if your pain improves. A toothache is often a symptom of a larger problem, like decay or infection.
Although many people believe an occasional tooth is normal, it’s never a good sign. You can lessen your risk of one by maintaining your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist regularly for a cleaning and checkup.
Don’t Wait to See Your Dentist
If you have a dental emergency, don’t wait until the new year to see your dentist. Get the quick care you need, so you can get back to your holiday activities.
About Dr. Troy Jones
Dr. Jones began working in dentistry nearly 30 years ago. Besides earning his dental degree, he has completed advanced training in many specialties, like implantology. He also offers emergency services. If you need immediate attention, contact our office today.