With all the industrial action taking place over the holiday season, as well as the backlog that have developed during the last decade and the steady loss of high street dentists, it may be more difficult than normal to get to a dentist if you run into dental emergencies. It may even be tempting to skip the dentist altogether. But that is a bad idea, and while there are fewer dental practices than before, it is still worthwhile to get to one.
Taking care of your teeth is important for a number of reasons. Not only do they help with digestion and give your smile a boost, they can also aid you in your daily activities. However, problems with your teeth can occur at any time, so knowing when to seek dental care is important.
Common Dental Emergencies
Some common dental emergencies include fractured teeth, a broken jaw, or a missing tooth. These issues can be a serious and painful problem. A tooth abscess, on the other hand, is a potentially life-threatening infection that requires immediate attention. If left untreated, the infection can spread to your gums and other parts of your body. If your tooth is knocked out, the best course of action is to reinsert it as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to stay away from hard candies and other foods that may cause further damage to your tooth.
While there is no single definition of a dental emergency, it is often the case that the emergency is a combination of pain, inflammation, and infection. These conditions can be treated with the help of an experienced dentist or physician. Aside from pain, these symptoms can also have other, more subtle, effects on your overall health.
What To Do
When you’re experiencing an actual dental emergency, the first thing you should do is get to a local A&E. Although you should be aware that this holiday season nurses will be striking on the 15th and 20th December, so it may be more difficult than normal to be seen, if you have a genuine dental emergency, the strikes should not deter you as there will be some staff still working to support you during these days. An experienced dentist or emergency doctor can determine whether your dental issue is serious enough to require treatment. If you have a more serious issue, such as a broken jaw, you should get to an oral surgeon as quickly as possible. You can also ask your dental provider about their recommendations for home treatments. This may be particularly useful this Christmas, to make sure you don’t spend the holidays waiting in hospital.
Important Symptoms
The most important symptom to be aware of is pain. This is because a toothache is generally a symptom of an underlying dental issue. You should also clean your mouth after a bite to prevent further injury to your teeth and gums. You can also rinse with salt water to ease the pain.
While some dental emergencies aren’t as dramatic as others, you should still take care of them as soon as possible. Avoiding a serious dental emergency can lead to more serious problems in the future. By following the right first aid techniques, you can prevent further complications and bring your teeth back to their optimal state.
Protection
You can also protect your teeth by brushing, flossing, and getting regular check-ups. These routine visits can help identify and treat issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. You should also wear protective gear while you participate in sports.
Doing these regular tasks to help protect your teeth are the best way to avoid an emergency during the holiday season, especially this year with all the added strains on the NHS from strikes and backlogs, however, if you believe you have a serious dental emergency, we are always happy to see you at Dental Emergency Cheadle, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
