Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help prevent most oral health concerns. However, the fact of the matter is accidents occur, and there are times when gum injuries might happen.
Since gum injuries are most often unpredictable, it is essential to know the proper way to treat your gums promptly.
By understanding exactly how to treat gum injuries, you can prevent more serious oral health complications from forming. A small wound can lead to tooth damage or oral infection.
The following is a four-step process to respond to gum injuries.
First, it is important to rinse your mouth after suffering a gum injury. Gum injuries usually lead to lacerations and bruises, which significantly raise the chance of developing an oral infection.
To reduce the chance of an infection, use saltwater as soon as possible after gum injuries. The saltwater can help to kill any bacteria that exists in the mouth and keep the mouth clean. This will also help to stop the bleeding, but it may cause a burning sensation.
Since gum injuries are a form of soft tissue injury, there is a good chance there is going to be some blood, especially if there is a laceration. At first sight or taste of blood, the natural reaction is to panic. It may seem like the bleeding is worse than it is.
It is crucial to remain calm in the event a gum injury leads to bleeding inside the mouth. After rinsing the mouth out, which should remove most of the blood, place pressure on the affected area with gauze until the bleeding has stopped.
Even after the bleeding has stopped and the mouth has been thoroughly sanitized, there is likely to be a fair amount of pain and swelling. The best way to reduce both the pain and swelling of a gum injury is to place either a warm or cold compress, such a bag of ice or a heat pack, on the affected area.
While taking pain relievers may be an option, it is best to wait until after the dental visit to take pain relief medications. However, the compress should help keep the pain at a tolerable level until professional treatment is administered.
Perhaps the most essential step in the process is to visit the dentist following a gum injury. Do this regardless of whether the bleeding and pain have stopped.
The dentist can examine the extent of the injury and determine if a procedure is needed to restore the health and function of the mouth.
Gum injuries can seem very serious but staying calm and knowing what to do can ensure proper treatment is provided after the accident occurs.
Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine and seeing the dentist will also keep your gums strong and healthy. If it has been some time since your last dental visit, call our office to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://ismiledentalcarenj.com or call iSmile Dental Care at (908) 768-3057 for an appointment in our Union office.
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