You probably already know how to floss your teeth properly, what things to stay away from to keep your mouth healthy, and how often you should go to the dentist.

You do know what emergency dental care is and when to use it, though. If your answer is “No”, this guide is for you.

When Do You Need Emergency Dental Care?

Oral health issues aren’t generally considered emergencies since most of them can wait until you see your dentist on a scheduled date. However, if you’re experiencing severe pain, bleeding profusely, and/or have lost or broken a tooth, you’ll need to call the dentists in Sydney CBD who offer emergency services. Here are a few situations when you’ll need emergency dental services:

You Have A Severe Toothache

This is characterised by throbbing pains (deep, intense aches that come and go in waves) as well as shooting pains (sharp, sudden aches that usually last for a few seconds). You might also notice some pain when you chew or bite down, and your teeth might feel overly sensitive especially when you drink hot or cold beverages or eat hot or cold foods. There might also be swelling gums around the affected area.

You Have Tooth Damage / Loss

This includes a badly cracked tooth as well as a partially dislodged tooth. Of course, if you have a tooth that has been completely knocked out of your mouth, seek emergency dental assistance ASAP.

You Have A Dental Abscess

Take a few seconds to feel around your gums. If you come across a swollen, pimple-like area around a tooth or between your teeth and gums, you probably have a dental abscess. Some types of abscesses are painful while others simply cause mild discomfort; either way, you must have it checked ASAP before the infection can cause your jaw or face to swell or even spread to the rest of your body.

You’ve Lost A Dental Filling Or Restoration

When this happens, the affected teeth and gums are exposed to damage, so you should see a dentist ASAP. For missing fillings, fill the cavity with sugarless gum to keep food debris from getting stuck in it and prevent bacterial growth. (Sugarless gum is a must since any gum with sugar will only cause pain.) For missing restorations, bring the broken pieces with you. If it’s possible, put the restoration back in place and secure it using dental adhesive or toothpaste.

When Emergency Dental Services Aren’t Necessary

You probably won’t need emergency dental services if you have the following:

  • A mild toothache
  • A small chip or a minor crack in a tooth
  • Broken braces

Minor soft tissue injuries, such as a small cut in your gums, cheeks, or tongue, may also be considered dental emergencies. However, it’s important to note that soft tissues in the mouth can easily bleed, so even when the injury is relatively minor, you might still see a lot of blood.

Try to minimise the bleeding by gently swishing a salt water rinse over the affected area and applying a cold compress to the outside of your check for five to ten minutes. If you have a caffeinated tea bag, moisten it and use it to apply pressure over the bleeding area. The tannins in the tea can help slow down the flow of blood by constricting the blood vessels near the bleeding site.

If your mouth is bleeding after you’ve taken the steps above, call your emergency dentist right away.