Did you know your family dentist does more than just clean teeth and fill cavities? Dental emergencies, like all medical emergencies, are painful and urgent in nature. Broken teeth, infections, root canals, and general tooth pain are some of the most common issues faced by adults. Luckily, the staff at Family First Dentistry of Anchorage, AK, provide timely solutions for a broad range of emergencies.  

The American Dental Association states that adults visit the dentist in an emergency because of mouth-related injuries such as cracked or broken teeth, or a tooth that is avulsed or knocked out of the mouth. A severely bitten lip or tongue, extreme pain from toothaches or oral infections, and objects stuck between teeth may also warrant an urgent trip.

In all these situations, injuries to the teeth, gums, and mouth can be avoided if you wear a mouth guard during recreational activities and avoid chewing things that can crack or break teeth—such as ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels. Many of us are guilty of opening packages or bags with our pearly whites, but dentists strongly advise the use of scissors to cut anything you can’t open with your hands.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, remember to keep the area moist at all times. On your way to an emergency appointment with your dentist, you can place the tooth back in its socket or in a container of milk.

If you have a cracked tooth, toothache, or a bitten lip or tongue, rinse thoroughly with warm water and apply a cold compress to your cheek and face. Before scheduling an emergency appointment for an object stuck in your mouth or between your teeth, patients are advised to try gently removing the blockage with floss. 

Reach out to Family First Dentistry should you ever encounter one of these dental emergencies. To learn more about the dentists and staff, visit the website. You can schedule a routine or emergency dental appointment by calling the Anchorage, AK, location at (907) 562-2820.