What is considered a dental emergency?

Below you will read more about what counts as a dental emergency, the most common causes, and where to turn when you need help fast. Whether you’re clocking in long hours at work, managing the household, or taking care of grandkids, the last thing you want is to be sidelined by a painful or scary dental emergency. You already know that your oral health changes with age and when something goes wrong, it’s important to know what to do right away.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation involving your mouth, teeth, or gums that requires immediate attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. It can also include infections that could become life-threatening if left untreated.

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as a dental emergency, here’s a good rule of thumb: If you’re in pain, bleeding, or have a damaged tooth, don’t wait and get it checked out by a local dentist in Riverside.

Common Dental Emergencies

1. Tooth Infections
   An infected tooth (also called an abscess) often starts with a dull ache and can quickly turn into intense, throbbing pain. Signs include swelling in your cheek or jaw, a bad taste in your mouth, or a small bump near your gum. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.
2. Traumatic Injuries (Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth)
   Slips and falls, car accidents, or biting down on something hard can lead to cracked, broken, or even missing teeth. When this happens, acting fast could be the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
3. Sports Injuries
   Even if you’re just tossing a ball with your grandkids or doing water aerobics, accidents happen. A sudden elbow to the jaw or fall at the gym can knock teeth loose or cause fractures. If you or someone you love plays sports, consider a custom mouthguard to help prevent these kinds of injuries.
4. Car Accidents
   A sudden stop or crash, even a minor one, can lead to chipped or knocked-out teeth, jaw pain, or other oral trauma. If your face or mouth hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag, get checked for dental injuries, even if they aren’t immediately obvious.
5. Falls at Home or Work
   Slipping on the stairs or losing your balance can result in more than a bruised knee. If you fall and hit your mouth, check for loose teeth, bleeding, or pain in the jaw. Many people over 60 are at higher risk for falls due to balance changes, medication side effects, or reduced bone density.

What Should I Do If I Have a Dental Emergency?

Here’s what you can do to protect your health and possibly save your tooth:

• Call your emergency dentist immediately. Most dental offices have an emergency line or same-day appointments for urgent care.
• For a cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• If you’re bleeding, use clean gauze and gentle pressure to slow it down.
• Don’t wait. The longer you delay care, the worse the damage can become.

Should I Go to the Emergency Room for a Dental Emergency?

In most cases, it’s best to call your dentist first.
At Riverside Cosmetis Dentist – Dr. Ali Shmara, we handle tooth-related emergencies and can usually see you quickly. However, you should go to the emergency room if:

• You have severe swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow.
• You’re bleeding heavily and can’t stop it.
• You’ve experienced facial trauma as part of a larger injury, like in a car crash.

Pro Tip: Keep our dental office number in your phone and a small dental first aid kit at home. It’s better to be prepared than to panic.

As we get older, our teeth and gums need a little more care and knowing what to do in a dental emergency can save you pain, time, and even money. Don’t ignore signs like swelling, pain, or bleeding. Your health matters, and you deserve to smile without fear. If you live in the Riverside area and need emergency dental care, reach out to Dr. Ali Shmara at Riverside Cosmetic Dentist. He provides same-day tooth repair, cosmetic tooth restoration, and urgent dental care tailored to people just like you.

Stay safe, stay strong and don’t let a dental emergency steal your smile.