When you develop a toothache or an abscess, you should seek immediate dental treatment as this may develop into a more serious infection. Dental accident happens when someone accidentally falls or receives a severe blow, which may fracture or loosen their teeth or even fracture their jaw. When this happens, immediate medical attention is required, however a dental visit can mean saving or losing your tooth. The following is a list of some dental emergencies and what we should do.

1) Toothache
Toothache can occur from a cavity or an abscess. You should not ignore a toothache even if it only lasts a short time. See your dentist as soon as possible and in the meantime avoid very hot, cold or sweet food. Rinse with warm water, keep the area clean and floss to avoid food trapping in the area.

2) Abscess
Abscesses can develop from your tooth or from your gums. Although the symptoms can go away, it should not be ignored because it is a recurring problem and will only spread to affect your adjacent teeth. See your dentist who will recommend root canal treatment or gum therapy. As a last resort, your tooth may be extracted.

3) Bleeding gums
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, it is usually a sign of gum disease. You should see your dentist who can explain to you how to care for your gums and recommend any gum treatment required. Remember that you can loose your teeth in advance gum disease.

4) Cracked, chipped or loosened tooth
If you bit on something very hard and cracked a tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible who will restore the tooth. In the meantime, avoid very cool or hot food and eat soft food to avoid putting pressure on the area. A loose tooth can be due to trauma or to advanced gum disease. Even if your broken or loosened tooth does not hurt, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.

5) Knocked out tooth
After a severe fall or blow which can happen in a bicycle or car accident, during contact sports or just tripping over, one or more of your teeth can be knocked out. Pick up the knocked out tooth by the crown and not the root. If available, rinse the tooth out gently with distilled water and keep the tooth inside your mouth until you see your dentist. If you are afraid of swallowing the tooth, keep the tooth in a bag immersed in milk or distilled water. Try your best to get to your dentist within 30 minutes, your dentist can re-implant your tooth and you may have a good chance of saving your tooth.