Top 7 Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them Before Seeing a Dentist

Almost 2 million people visit the emergency room every year because of dental pain. Many of these situations could be managed quickly if the right steps were taken at home before reaching a dentist. From sudden toothaches to accidents that damage teeth, emergencies can strike at any time. Knowing how to react in those crucial first moments can make a real difference in saving your teeth and reducing pain.

When situations become overwhelming, it helps to have an emergency dentist in Hudson, NH, ready to provide urgent care. Still, your actions before that visit can play a big role in protecting your oral health. Let’s explore the most common dental emergencies and how to handle them until you reach professional help.

1. Severe Toothache

A sudden toothache can stop you in your tracks. The pain may be sharp, throbbing, or constant, and it often signals infection or decay.

Start by rinsing your mouth with warm water. Then gently floss around the tooth to remove anything stuck between teeth. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth, as it can burn your gums. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease discomfort. If the pain lingers or grows worse, urgent dental treatment will be needed.

2. Chipped or Broken Tooth

Biting down on something hard or taking a hit to the mouth can chip or break a tooth in seconds.

If this happens, save any broken pieces and rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling. Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugarless gum to prevent cuts inside your mouth. Quick action may allow your dentist to restore the tooth instead of replacing it.

3. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies, but there is a small window of time where the tooth can be saved.

Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, and rinse it gently if dirty. Try to place it back into the socket without forcing it. If that’s not possible, keep it moist in a container of milk or saline solution. Time is critical, so get to a dentist within an hour for the best chance of saving your natural tooth.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

A filling or crown protects weakened teeth, and losing one can leave the tooth exposed and painful.

To protect the tooth until you see a dentist, apply dental cement or even sugarless gum as a temporary seal. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. With quick professional care, the crown or filling can often be replaced before more damage occurs.

5. Broken Braces or Wires

Orthodontic wires and brackets are strong, but they can break or loosen if you chew on something hard or get hit in the mouth.

If a wire sticks out and causes irritation, try covering the sharp edge with orthodontic wax or cotton. Do not cut the wire yourself, as you could swallow or inhale it. Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

6. Abscess or Infection

An abscess is a painful infection that develops near the root of a tooth or in the gums. Left untreated, it can spread and lead to serious health problems.

You may notice swelling, pus, or a bad taste in your mouth. Rinse with a mild saltwater solution several times a day to ease discomfort and reduce bacteria. Seek emergency dental care right away, as antibiotics or root canal treatment may be necessary.

7. Soft Tissue Injury

Accidents during sports or falls can injure the lips, gums, or tongue. These injuries may bleed heavily but can often be controlled with the right care.

Clean the area gently with warm water. Apply pressure using a clean gauze or cloth to stop bleeding, and use a cold compress on the outside to reduce swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after several minutes, immediate professional care is needed.

Why These Emergencies Happen

Dental emergencies often occur at the most unexpected times. They may result from poor oral hygiene, untreated decay, accidents, or even chewing on hard foods. Some emergencies are preventable with regular care, while others are sudden and unavoidable.

Here are a few common reasons:

• Cavities left untreated weaken teeth

• Sports injuries without a mouthguard

• Biting down on hard candy, ice, or popcorn kernels

• Grinding teeth at night without protection

• Ignoring small dental problems until they worsen

Why Choose Arbor Plumbing and Dental Care Services

When you face a dental crisis, you want fast, reliable, and expert help. That’s why many families trust Arbor for local care. An emergency dentist in Hudson, NH, can step in quickly to relieve pain and restore your smile.

Reasons people choose Arbor include:

• Experienced dentists ready for urgent cases

• Modern technology makes treatment faster and more effective

• A caring approach that puts your comfort first

• Emergency appointments that help you avoid long waits

Other Services Provided

In addition to handling urgent dental issues, Arbor also offers many other services that help patients maintain long-term oral health.

Some options include:

• Preventive cleanings and exams

• Dental implants and restorations

• Cosmetic treatments for brighter smiles

• Pediatric dentistry for children

• Full-mouth rehabilitation for complex cases

Having a trusted dental team ensures you are covered in both everyday care and unexpected emergencies.

Take Action Before Small Problems Grow

Dental emergencies can happen without warning, but knowing how to respond can make a big difference in your outcome. Simple steps like rinsing, applying cold compresses, or storing a tooth in milk can protect your smile until you reach professional care.

When pain strikes or accidents occur, don’t wait and hope it gets better. Quick action and the right dental team can save your teeth and restore comfort. 

Schedule an appointment and keep the number of a trusted emergency dentist in Hudson, NH. Your future self will thank you.