Emergency Dentist in Murfreesboro
A dental emergency can happen to anyone at any time. Every year in the U.S., there are an estimated 2 million visits to hospital emergency departments (EDs) for dental pain. It’s easy to panic if you don’t have an emergency dentist near you that you can rely on, so that's why we're here.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Unexplained Toothache
The pain in your mouth is your body's way of telling you something is wrong. Therefore, it’s vital to treat unexplained tooth pain as soon as possible.
Until you can see an emergency dentist, it's best to rinse your mouth with saltwater, apply a cold compress to the affected area, and use over-the-counter pain medication to ease your pain and discomfort.
Swollen or Bleeding Gums
You shouldn't ignore swollen gums that won't stop bleeding, as it may indicate an underlying dental or medical issue.
While waiting to see a qualified emergency dentist, try to control the bleeding by grabbing a clean, damp gauze and pressing it gently against the affected area. You may also hold a small ice pack for about 10 minutes against the bleeding gums.
Loose Teeth
Whether resulting from trauma or infection, a loose tooth requires immediate dental attention. Otherwise, the issue may lead to bite alignment problems and significantly affect your ability to chew. While waiting for your appointment, avoid eating, brushing, flossing, and touching the loose tooth.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
A broken or cracked tooth may constitute a dental emergency if the remaining tooth has sharp edges that can cut into your lips and gums. Besides affecting bite alignment, a broken tooth can also lead to jaw problems.
A break that goes deep into the tooth's pulp also increases your risk of infection. You'll want to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and apply a cold compress to your cheek while waiting for your emergency dental appointment.
Knocked-Out Tooth
An emergency dentist can save a tooth knocked out of your mouth due to heavy impact. Before your appointment, carefully pick up the tooth without touching the root and rinse it without scrubbing.
If you can’t reinsert the tooth in the socket, place it in a container of water or milk.
The Importance of Pediatric Emergency Dentistry
Dental caries is the most common childhood disease, and the longer it goes untreated, the harder it becomes to stop or prevent its progression.
By the time a child reaches age two, dental issues like cavities, tooth decay, and misalignment can become more challenging to manage without intervention. That’s why early dental visits are essential!
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and other major health organizations recommend that children have their first dental visit by their second birthday or within six months of their first tooth eruption. These "Well Baby Checks" help spot and prevent potential problems and educate parents and kids on the importance of good oral hygiene, healthy eating habits, and how to avoid common dental issues and emergencies. Early visits also help establish a dental home and reduce the need for pediatric emergency dentistry, ensuring children enjoy a healthy mouth and better long-term oral health.
How To Avoid Dental Emergencies
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing may seem basic, but they're your first line of defense against dental problems. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can lead to decay and gum disease.
Poor oral hygiene is a major contributor to infections, toothaches, and abscesses, all of which can turn into emergencies if left untreated. Staying consistent with your at-home routine helps prevent issues before they start.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
What you eat affects more than just your waistline; it plays a major role in your dental health. Sugary snacks and acidic drinks feed harmful bacteria that wear down enamel and increase your risk of cavities and infections.
A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus helps keep your teeth and gums strong. Crunchy fruits and veggies like apples and carrots can even help clean your teeth between meals.
Limiting sticky, sugary, or overly hard foods can go a long way in preventing chips, cracks, and decay.
Don’t Miss Your Dental Appointments
Skipping dental checkups may seem harmless, until a small issue becomes a big problem. Regular visits allow your dentist to catch potential problems like cavities, gum disease, or bite issues before they turn into emergencies.
Cleanings help remove hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing alone can’t eliminate. These visits also give you a chance to ask questions, update your dental history, and get personalized tips for keeping your mouth healthy.
Wear a Mouthguard When Needed
If you or your children play sports or grind their teeth at night, a mouthguard is a must. Athletic mouthguards help protect your teeth from impact during games or practices, while nightguards reduce damage caused by bruxism (teeth grinding). Both can prevent cracked or broken teeth, jaw pain, and unnecessary dental emergencies.
Visit Our Qualified Emergency Dentist in Murfreesboro, TN
Facing a dental emergency in Murfreesboro, TN? Don’t wait, call Stonetrace Family Dental now. Our expert team is standing by to relieve your pain and restore your smile with urgent care. Your comfort can’t wait, and neither should you. Reach out today!
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