What to Do if You Have a Dental Emergency
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, don't panic! There are several things that you can do to help relieve the pain and swelling. In this blog post, we will discuss the five most important steps to take if you have a dental emergency. We will also provide information on how to find an emergency dentist in Mornington. Don't wait - contact your dentist as soon as possible!
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Stay calm
The first step is to remain calm. It can be tempting to panic when you are in pain, but this will only make the situation worse. Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you will get through this. Consider trying the following techniques:
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Focus on your breathing
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Distract yourself from the pain
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Visualise a peaceful place
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Practice relaxation techniques
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Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris
It may seem counterintuitive to fill your mouth with warm water if you are bleeding, but this process will help to wash out any debris that may be causing the pain. It also clears your mouth of anything that you could potentially choke on. Try to resist the urge to brush or floss too vigorously, as this could irritate the already inflamed tissue.
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Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling
When applied swiftly, a cold press will do wonders for reducing the swelling. Failing an actual cold press, you can always use a bag of frozen peas or some ice wrapped in a towel.
In general, 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off is a good rule to follow. Make sure that you don’t apply the ice directly to your skin, as this could cause frostbite. If you are struggling to keep the compress in place, consider using a headband or scarf to secure it.
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If the pain is severe, take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
These medications are specifically formulated to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and never take more than the recommended dosage.
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Contact your dentist as soon as possible for further treatment
This is the most important step! Your emergency dentist will be able to provide you with the treatment you need, and they may also be able to prescribe medication to help with the pain. If you don't already have a go-to emergency dentist in your area, it's a good idea to find one and keep their details on-hand for scenarios like this.
Don't wait - if you are experiencing a dental emergency, contact your dentist as soon as possible.