What is a dental emergencies ( look at the exact name of the recording)
Welcome back to Symplifihealth where we are committed to bridging medicine, dentistry, and genetics together. Dr. Jill Wade and Aurelia Bryne team back up to discuss the immediate needs of the public to understand what a true dental emergency is and why it is important in the world of the corona virus pandemic. They are joined by Dr. Stephen LaDuque who is also a dentist that is passionate about Dental Wellness. Together they team up to discuss:
Dental Emergencies need to be dealt through the dental office is order to keep as many people out of the hospitals and emergency rooms. An already flooded medical system that cannot take care of the solution of a tooth related issue. We are allowed to practice dental emergencies, just not elective procedures or traditional routine services at this time.
If you have pain related to a certain area of your mouth, swelling of your gum around or below a tooth, or something that looks like a pimple form then calling a dentist is your next step to triage the situation.
Typically, a fever can be associated with a dental infection and the pain can be severe. Our first line of defense will be Tylenol and antibiotics to calm the situation down. It is thus far recommended to stay away from anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen (Advil) which many of times is a go to option in dentistry.
With all the above being said, you must realize that severe swelling from a dental infection can be a serious medical emergency if the swelling begins to constrict your airway and you find yourself not being able to breathe. Call 911 if you find yourself in eminent danger not breathing.
If you have a crown come off immediately find it and try to get it back on the tooth after you clean it off. IT should only fit one way. Go to a CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart and look for a temporary cement that you can place inside and get that crown to stay in place. Then baby the area and chew on the other side.
If you find yourself chipping or breaking a tooth and it is sharp and cutting you or scratching your tongue then find some wax. Use it to secure the area or hole or sharp edge from cutting you, till you can get into an office when the restrictions are lifted.
Please never place an aspirin directly on the gum around a tooth that is having discomfort. IT will not help and has potential to burn you and make the situation worse.
Today many people will find themselves with an increased stress level. Clenching and grinding your teeth will be at an all time high, therefore breaking or splitting teeth will also begin to increase. So, if you have retainers, night guards or anything to protect your teeth at night…. You should pull it out and start to use it right now.
We talk about this COVID-19 situation because a long haul not a short sprint. So, everything you do that can help you protect your teeth you should do. Consistently brush your teeth at the very least 2 times a day, including floss or water pick. Get the soft plaque off as quickly as you can. It only takes 12-24 hours to turn soft plaque into a harder calculus that you won’t be able to get off until you get to a professional dental cleaning. We want to keep your gums as healthy as possible to influence over better health and well-being.
