A dental emergency can be anything from a chipped tooth to a broken tooth, to an infection - all of which can take a toll on you and make things such as chewing, drinking, or even just talking difficult. If you encounter a dental emergency, you may not know how to handle the situation or what to do until you can get to the dentist. Read on for some helpful information to use as a guide if you happen to find yourself in a situation such as this, and what you can do until you can get in to see the dentist.

Use A Cold Or Warm Compress

If you have a dental infection, you may want to apply a warm compress to the face to help soothe the face and ease swelling. You can apply a warm compress to the exterior of the face, or you can use it inside the mouth as well. Apply a cool compress for broken and chipped teeth, or for other pain you may have encountered due to these types of incidents. The cool compress may help ease swelling as well and may also help ease the pain.

Take Over-The-Counter Pain Medication

Taking over-the-counter pain medication can help with the pain that you may feel from an infected, chipped, or broken tooth. This can help you in the meantime until you get to the dentist and can be prescribed something a bit stronger for the pain. Use a pain reliever that can help assist with inflammation, especially in cases where you have swelling in your gums, jaw, or face. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on use and dosage and discontinue its use if you experience any other symptoms because of the medication.

Stick With Liquids

For the time being, you may want to consider sticking to a liquid diet until you can get to the dentist. Chewing on anything hard or too chewy can make it more painful when eating, so skip anything such as this and stick with bland, soft foods, or liquid instead. 

Make A Dental Appointment

If it's a true emergency, you should get to the emergency room, or you can call your dentist and make an emergency dental care appointment where you may be able to get in right away to see the dentist and get treated for your particular condition right away.

If you have a dental emergency, you should know how to handle it until you can get in to see the dentist. If it's an emergency, make an emergency appointment right away so you don't have to go untreated for too long.