Your teeth are incredibly strong and resilient, but they are not indestructible. Accidents, falls, and injury can leave you with a broken or chipped tooth. It can be both painful and uncomfortable, but most importantly, it can affect your self-confidence. If you ever chip or break a tooth in Bournemouth, here’s what you should do:

1. Rinse Your Mouth

The first thing you should do is rinse your mouth with warm water. This will help to clean out any debris and bacteria from the broken or chipped tooth area. You can also use salt water instead of regular water. Gently swish it around your mouth for about a minute before spitting it out.

2. Control The Bleeding

If the broken or chipped tooth causes bleeding, apply a clean piece of gauze or a soft cloth to the area. Apply pressure for at least 10 minutes. The bleeding should stop after this time. If the bleeding persists, seek medical attention immediately.

3. Reduce The Swelling

Swelling often accompanies a broken or chipped tooth injury. You can make use of a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel to reduce the swelling. Hold it to your cheek or the injured area for about 10 minutes before removing it. You can repeat this process several times.

4. Take Pain Relief

Pain often accompanies a broken or chipped tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain. It’s best to follow the recommended dosage on the label.

5. Contact Your Dentist

If you chip or break a tooth in Bournemouth, the next step is to contact a local dentist. In many cases, you can get an appointment the very same day, especially if the injury happens during business hours. Make sure to inform the dentist of the situation. They will determine if you need to come to their offices for immediate care or if it can wait until your next appointment.

6. Save Any Tooth Fragments

If you have any tooth fragments after the chip or break, save them. You can put them in a small cup of milk or even hold them in your mouth if you’re emergency dentist bournemouth not bleeding. The goal is to keep the tooth fragment wet and preserve it for the dentist to determine if it’s possible to reattach it.

7. Temporary Solutions

A broken or chipped tooth is never ideal, but if you can’t get to your dentist right away, there are temporary solutions that you can do to help alleviate the pain. You can purchase dental cement from your local store, which can help repair a chipped tooth. Avoid biting any hard food or substances until the tooth is healed.

8. Follow The Dentist’s Recommendations

Finally, it is essential to follow any recommendations from your dentist. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to undergo certain procedures or follow a strict diet that eases the strain on your teeth.

Chipped or broken teeth can be painful and cause discomfort for many reasons. They may affect your self-confidence if they happen to be visible when you smile. In Bournemouth, there are dentists and emergency dental clinics open for appointments all day long. The next time you experience a dental emergency, simply follow the outlined steps to get urgent treatment and prevent further damage.