Blog

Dental care can be costly, but there are times when the only option is to get professional assistance. In South Africa, dental emergencies are common and can cause severe pain and discomfort. They can lead to tooth loss if not treated promptly. 

Several dental emergencies can occur, from toothaches and broken teeth, to abscesses and infections. It’s essential to know how to identify and manage these emergencies to minimise pain and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. 

Toothache

Various factors, such as tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or an infection, can cause a toothache. To manage a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any food particles that may be irritating the area. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the pain. If the pain is accompanied by swelling or fever, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is essential.

Gum Injury 

A gum injury can be caused by various factors, such as accidentally biting down on a hard object or a sports injury. To manage a gum injury:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. 
2. Apply a cold press for the treatment of the swelling.
3. Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that can further irritate the gum.

If the bleeding doesn’t stop or the injury is severe, seek immediate medical attention.

Cracked Or Broken Tooth

A cracked or broken tooth, much like a gum injury, can be caused by various factors, such as biting down on hard objects. The teeth and gums work together and if mistreated, can retain serious damage. 

A cracked or broken tooth will require treatment from a dental professional. There is no way to treat a cracked or broken tooth at home!

Different types of tooth fractures and breaks, each of which requires different treatments. 

• Minor cracks (craze lines): Surface cracks that only affect the enamel and usually do not require treatment but can be polished by the dentist to smooth rough spots.
• Cracked tooth: A fracture involving the whole tooth, from the chewing surface to the nerve, which may be repaired with filling material or require a crown to prevent the crack from worsening. A root canal may also be necessary if the nerve is damaged.
  
• Chips: Minor chips can be repaired with filling material or polished and smoothed by the dentist.
  
• Broken cusp: A break affecting the pointed chewing surfaces that usually do not affect the pulp and may be repaired by the dentist or require an onlay or crown.
• Severe breaks: Breaks that expose the nerve and cause pain and sensitivity, usually requiring root canal treatment and a crown to restore normal function.
• Split tooth: A tooth split vertically into two parts, which may be repaired by keeping one of the roots and covering it with a crown after root canal treatment or may require the tooth to be removed.
  
• Vertical breaks or split root: Cracks start in the tooth’s root and extend upward toward the chewing surface, often requiring the tooth to be removed.
  
• Decay-induced break: A tooth that has broken or crumbled due to a cavity may be evaluated by the dentist and restored or removed depending on the extent of the decay.

Knocked Out Tooth

If a tooth is knocked out, rinse the area with water to keep it clean. Keep the tooth in a container of salt water and seek immediate medical attention. The tooth may be able to be saved if you see a dentist within 30 minutes.

Lost Filling Or Crown

Various factors, such as tooth decay or injury, can cause a lost filling or crown. If a filling or crown comes out, rinse your mouth with warm water. See a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Abscess

An abscess in the mouth is a collection of pus that forms from a bacterial infection. Treating a mouth abscess typically involves draining the pus, controlling the infection, and managing any associated pain. Here are some common treatments for a mouth abscess:

1. Drainage: The abscess must be drained to remove the pus and relieve pressure on the surrounding tissues. This is typically done by a dental professional, who will use a small scalpel or needle to make a small incision in the abscess.
2. Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear up the infection and prevent it from spreading. 
3. Saltwater rinse: Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help clean the area and promote healing.
4. Dental procedures: In some cases, a dental professional may need to perform a procedure to treat the abscess, such as a root canal or extraction.

It is important to seek dental care promptly. Delaying treatment can lead to more severe complications. Hospitalisation may be necessary to treat the abscess and monitor the patient’s condition in severe cases. Overall, the key to successful treatment of a mouth abscess is prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention.

Bleeding 

Bleeding in the mouth can be caused by various factors, such as injury or gum disease. Bleeding gums can be a sign of dental conditions, including gum disease, vitamin deficiency, hormonal changes, or improper brushing and flossing techniques. 

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease characterised by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss and damage to the jawbone. Vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin C or K, can also cause bleeding gums. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can also cause changes in the gums that can lead to bleeding. 

Finally, improper brushing and flossing techniques can cause bleeding gums, as the gums may become irritated or injured from harsh brushing or flossing. If you experience bleeding gums, seeing a dentist to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment is important.