In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we’ve witnessed how unexpected events can disrupt our lives, including access to dental care. 

Asheville Dental knows facing a dental emergency can be overwhelming under regular circumstances and even more so during a natural disaster. It’s hard to focus on anything else when you’re in pain, especially when resources are limited. We’re here to provide some guidance to get you through this tough time. 

Severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or significant trauma to your mouth may warrant an urgent visit to the ER.

Understanding Dental Emergencies 

Dental emergencies are urgent problems that require immediate attention, ranging from severe toothaches and broken teeth to lost dental implants. Here are three common dental emergencies and tips on preventing further complications. 

1. Knocked-out tooth. While this is a scary and painful experience, there are steps you can take that can potentially save your tooth, including:

• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it with water—no scrubbing or soap.
• Try to reinsert it into the socket, gently biting down on a clean cloth or gauze.
• If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth in milk or saliva to keep it moist.
• Seek emergency dental care right away—the sooner, the better!

2. Toothache. Tooth pain can stem from tooth decay, gum disease, or abscesses. Here are some tips for relief:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• Use dental floss to remove stuck food particles.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.
• Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling.
• Contact your dentist as soon as possible.

3. Broken or chipped tooth. A broken or chipped tooth can impact your appearance. Here’s what to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Apply pressure with a clean, damp cloth or gauze if bleeding occurs.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Save any broken pieces of the tooth for your appointment.
• Contact your dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the severity, they may repair the tooth or recommend more extensive treatment.

While some dental issues can be temporarily managed at home, specific emergencies require immediate attention. Severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or significant trauma to your mouth may warrant an urgent visit to the ER. However, we urge you to only seek in-person care if it’s safe to travel. 

Having a well-prepared at-home dental emergency kit can be a lifesaver.

Why You Need an At-Home Dental Emergency Kit

Did you know that yearly, around 2 million Americans visit the emergency room because of dental pain? 

But what if you can’t reach a dentist or medical provider immediately? That’s when having a well-prepared at-home dental emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Here’s what to include:

• Pain relievers (like ibuprofen)
• Dental wax (to cover sharp edges on broken teeth)
• Temporary filling material (to protect cavities or missing fillings)
• Gauze pads (for controlling bleeding)
• Cotton swabs (for applying ointments)
• Ice packs (for reducing swelling)
• Oral anesthetic gel (for numbing pain)
• Dental mirror and tweezers (for inspecting and handling small items)
• Disposable gloves (to keep the area clean)
• Emergency dental contact information (so help is just a call away)
• Instruction manual (for basic dental first aid procedures)

When putting your kit together, store the supplies in a durable, waterproof container and make sure it’s easily accessible to everyone in the household. It’s also a good idea to check your kit regularly to ensure everything is in good condition and up-to-date.

Follow-Up Care after the Storm

We’re back open on a full schedule, and our team will help with any dental issues you’ve managed. We encourage you to schedule a follow-up visit as soon as possible to ensure everything is healing correctly.

Rebuilding Together for a Stronger Tomorrow

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Know that we’re here for you.

Your safety, health, and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we look forward to seeing you again soon under better circumstances.

Contact our team today.