Dental emergencies should always be handled quickly and in the right manner. Putting off dealing with them can lead to a variety of problems, such as infection, an increased risk of cavities, more damage to your gums and even the complete loss of the tooth. You want to read the information provided in this article so you are well-prepared for a dental emergency.

What to do when you have a toothache

If you have a toothache, you want to know how to get relief from the pain until you can get in to see the dentist for proper treatment. Sometimes you need something more than over-the-counter pain relievers to take the pain away.

One way to get temporary relief is to soak a cotton ball in clove oil and hold it on the affected tooth. You will feel a sting at first, then you will get relief. Another way to take the pain away is to bite firmly on an ice cube until it melts. Get in to the dentist quickly so they can treat the problem causing the pain.

How to deal with a loose tooth

If one of your teeth is forced loose, you need to be careful to secure it in place until you can get to the dentist. Use one finger to gently move the tooth in the right position. Get a piece of gauze moist and put it around the tooth to keep it secure. Get in to the dentist right away so they can save the tooth.

How to respond to a knocked out tooth

If you knock a tooth out, find it immediately and clean it off completely. To clean it, use your own saliva if possible. If you can't use your saliva, then use water. Do not touch the root at any time during the process; it's easy to cause damage to and then the tooth can't be saved.

Put the tooth back into the socket, making sure it is positioned correctly before pushing it down into place. Gently bite down on a piece of gauze and get to the dentist right away. If you can't put the tooth in your socket, then you want to carry it in your mouth. You can keep it between your gum and your cheek for safe keeping.

Now that you are well-versed on how to deal with dental emergencies, you will be prepared if you should have one of them occur to your teeth. In some cases the dentist may be able to save your whole tooth. In other cases, they may need to repair your tooth with the use of porcelain crowns or replace your tooth with a dental implant or by using other methods.