A dental emergency can strike when you least expect it. If you’re suffering from dental pain or have damaged your teeth, then you may be experiencing an emergency. Listed below are some common dental emergencies:

• Lost crown – If your crown falls out, make an appointment to see your dentist right away. Leaving the crown for too long can lead to an infection and other complications.
• Tooth knocked out – If you knock out a permanent tooth, try to replace the tooth back in the socket if possible. If this isn’t possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk or water until you arrive at the dentist’s office. The faster you replace the tooth, the more likely it is to grow back successfully.
• Broken jaw – If you suspect you have a fracture in your jawbone, do not attempt to move your mouth or apply pressure to the injured area. Instead, try to gently place a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling and pain. You can then call your dentist and explain what happened. He or she will likely schedule an immediate appointment to diagnose the injury and recommend treatment.
• Facial swelling – Swelling of the face can be a sign of many different types of injuries; however, it’s most commonly caused by a blow to the mouth. If you notice facial swelling without other signs of injury, it’s best to go to the dentist as soon as possible, as there may be an abscess or other complication that needs to be addressed right away.
• Toothache: A toothache is a common reason to need emergency dental care. If you have a toothache that is severe or does not go away quickly, it’s time to see the dentist. The dentist can provide medication to treat the toothache as well as perform an x-ray to check for any underlying conditions, such as a cavity or an abscessed tooth.
• Abscessed tooth: A throbbing or aching jaw may be a sign of an abscessed tooth. When a tooth is infected, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue and cause an infection that can spread to the jaw bone and gums. If left untreated, the infection may spread through the rest of the mouth. Other symptoms of an abscessed tooth include swelling, redness, and pain when pressing on the area with the fingers.
• Broken tooth: A broken tooth can be caused by several reasons, like biting down on something too hard to fall and striking the tooth hard with your mouth. Either way, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as you can in order to assess the damage and prevent further damage from occurring.

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to be prepared! We recommend keeping an emergency kit on hand with items like gauze, pain relievers, orthodontic wax, saline solution, mouthwash, and dental floss. It’s also important to be careful when playing contact sports to avoid knocking out teeth.

Tips To Avoid Dental Emergencies

• We recommend brushing at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. It is also important to floss at least once. If you wear braces, using an interdental brush can help clean around brackets and wires. After eating a meal or sugary snack, make sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible to prevent bacteria and plaque from forming on your teeth.
• Many people avoid seeing the dentist due to fear or anxiety. However, this can lead to serious dental problems down the road that could have been avoided with routine preventive dental care. Be sure to see your dentist at least twice a year for examinations and professional cleanings.
• It is also important to wear a mouthguard while playing sports. Also, avoid biting on hard foods and objects.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Angela An, D.D.S. General Dentistry, to learn more about maintaining good oral health. We are located at 490 Post St #1020, San Francisco, CA 94102. Contact us at (415) 291-8668 or visit our website for more information.