Dental emergencies happen unexpectedly often causing pain and stress. It is critical to know that you need to react quickly.  The preventive measures you take right after, can make a huge difference in saving a tooth and minimizing damage. At Christina Brinda DDS in North Canton, we treat dental emergencies promptly, however our primary focus is helping you avoid them altogether.  As your trusted North Canton Dentist, Dr. Christina Brinda and her team outline the seven most common dental emergencies and share practical steps you can take for prevention.

The Top 7 Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Emergency Immediate Action Prevention Strategies
1. Knocked Out or Avulsed Tooth
 Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse gently without scrubbing.  Transport the knocked out tooth immediately in milk or a tooth saving solution. See Dr. Christina Brinda immediately. Always wear a custom fitted mouthguard during sports or high impact activities.
2. Toothache
 Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Gently use dental floss to remove any food debris lodged between teeth. Never place aspirin directly on the gum or aching tooth. Maintain consistent oral hygiene and attend regular dental check ups for early detection of cavities.
3. Chipped or Broken Tooth
 Rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the face to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces and bring them to the office. Do not chew on ice, hard candy or unpopped popcorn kernels. Address bruxism (teeth grinding) with a night guard.
4. Lost Filling or Crown
 Use sugarless gum or dental wax to temporarily cover the sensitive area. If you recovered the crown, gently clean it and attempt to re seat it using denture adhesive or temporary dental cement. Do not use super glue. Avoid chewing excessively sticky foods, which can pull out existing fillings or loosen crowns.
5. Broken Orthodontic Wire or Bracket
 If a wire pokes your cheek, use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push it into a safer position. If that fails then cover the end with orthodontic wax or a small cotton ball. Avoid hard or crunchy foods like nuts or hard pretzels, if you wear braces.
6. Abscess (Severe Swelling/Pimple on Gum)
 This is a serious infection requiring immediate attention! Rinse your mouth with salt water to draw out pus. Do not drain the abscess yourself. Practice excellent brushing and flossing and seek treatment immediately for any persistent gum disease or deep cavity.
7. Lost or Broken Denture
 If a full denture or partial denture breaks, gather all pieces and contact our office immediately. Do not try to fix it yourself. Handle dentures over a soft surface when cleaning. Maintain denture reline schedule to ensure a proper fit.

Best Dentist in North Canton Ohio

The Best Defense: Preventive Dental Care

The single most effective way to prevent the emergencies above is to commit to a consistent schedule of preventive care.

Routine Check-ups and Cleanings

Visiting Christina Brinda DDS every six months allows Dr. Christina Brinda to catch minor issues, like small cavities or early signs of gum disease. Therefore, this helps identify problem areas before they escalate into painful emergencies. This includes Dr Christina Brinda using X-rays to find hidden problems.

Invest in Protection

If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, a custom fitted mouthguard or nightguard offers essential protection. However, over-the-counter mouth guards and night guards simply cannot match the versatility and utility of custom-fitted appliances.

Be Smart with Your Diet

Avoid chewing ice, biting down on extremely hard objects or consuming excessively sticky foods that can compromise fillings or crowns.

Proper Denture Maintenance

Additionally, if you wear dentures, follow all care instructions and visit us immediately if your dentures feel loose.  A denture reline often prevents breakage.  Dental emergencies are scary yet with proper planning and access to prompt care from your North Canton Dentist, you can minimize their impact.

📞 Call our North Canton office today at (330) 498-0668 to schedule an appointment.