What to Avoid When You Have a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies often strike without warning, turning a normal day into a stressful blur. Whether it’s sudden pain, swelling, or damage, reacting the wrong way can make things worse. Before you reach for a quick fix, pause. This blog explains what not to do—and why avoiding certain mistakes can save your smile and your sanity.

Avoid Self-Diagnosing with Internet Advice

It’s tempting. You type your symptoms into a search engine and scroll for answers. However, online information can be vague or misleading. What looks like a common sore could be something more serious.

Online forums or blogs may offer home remedies, but not all mouths are the same. Your pain may have a cause that isn’t obvious without a clinical exam. A cracked tooth might not hurt now but could worsen in days.

Instead:

• Call your dental provider first.
• Describe what happened in detail.
• Let a trained professional guide your next move.

Don’t Ignore the Pain or Symptoms

Dental pain doesn’t always scream—it can whisper, sting, or throb gently. Many people push through it, hoping it’ll fade. But pain is your body’s signal. It tells you something’s wrong.

Here’s what might happen if you wait too long:

• Infections can spread.
• Cracks may deepen.
• Swelling might affect breathing or eating.

Early action saves time, money, and discomfort. If you notice bleeding gums, a persistent toothache, or sudden temperature sensitivity, don’t brush it off.

If you are from the locality, reach out to a dental clinic in Scarborough for a timely check. Relief can be just one call away.

Do Not Use Aspirin Directly on the Gums or Tooth

Some think placing aspirin right on the sore spot brings fast relief. It doesn’t. In fact, it can burn your gum tissue. This can create more pain than the one you started with.

If you need pain relief:

• Swallow aspirin with water—never apply it topically.
• Use a cold compress on your cheek if swelling is present.
• Rinse gently with warm salt water if advised by your dentist.

Medications belong in your body, not on your gums. Avoid shortcuts that cause harm.

Don’t Attempt to Extract or Adjust Teeth Yourself

Loose or crooked teeth can be uncomfortable. But pulling or pushing them on your own is dangerous. You risk breaking the root, damaging nerves, or worsening an infection.

Even if a tooth feels “almost out,” let your dentist handle it. They use tools that keep the surrounding tissue safe. Pulling a tooth at home could leave behind broken fragments and cause serious bleeding. It’s always safer to trust a local dentist or a dentist in Scarborough for proper care instead of taking matters into your own hands.

Instead, take note of what happened:

• Did it become loose from trauma?
• Is it painful when touched?
• Is there visible swelling?

Share these details with your provider. Let trained hands guide the fix.

Avoid Using Superglue or DIY Repair Kits

Chipped crown? Broken denture? Don’t reach for super glue. It may seem like a clever fix, but it’s not meant for the mouth. Many glues contain toxins that should never touch gums or teeth.

Problems with DIY repairs:

• Glue can trap bacteria under crowns.
• Kits may misalign dental pieces.
• You could accidentally glue your soft tissue.

If you break a restoration, store the piece in a small bag and bring it to your dental appointment. Your team can evaluate whether it can be reused or needs replacement.

Avoid patching up your mouth with hardware store solutions.

Don’t Eat Hard or Crunchy Foods

When something’s wrong in your mouth, your eating habits need to change. Hard or crunchy foods can worsen cracks, aggravate swollen gums, or break fillings.

What to avoid:

• Nuts
• Chips
• Hard bread crusts
• Ice

Choose instead:

• Soft foods like oatmeal, soup, and scrambled eggs
• Smoothies
• Cooked vegetables

Treat your mouth gently until your dental visit. What you eat can help or hurt your healing.

Don’t Delay Contacting Your Dentist

You’re busy. Or maybe the pain seems mild. Still, waiting can cost you more than just comfort. Dental emergencies often move fast, from bearable to severe.

The sooner you act:

• The more likely your tooth can be salvaged.
• The less likely you’ll need complex treatment.
• The quicker you get relief.

If you’re looking for an emergency dentist near you, make that call without delay. Whether it’s a cracked filling or a swollen jaw, your dentist wants to help—and they’ll be better prepared when they know what’s happening.

Avoid Smoking or Drinking Alcohol

Both smoking and alcohol slow healing and raise your risk of infection. After a dental injury or procedure, the tissues in your mouth need support, not irritants.

Why avoid them:

• Tobacco dries out your mouth.
• Alcohol may increase bleeding.
• Both weaken your immune response.

Let your body do its job. Give it the right chance by avoiding these until your dentist says it’s safe.

Final Thoughts

Acting fast and avoiding risky choices can make all the difference in a dental emergency. Stay calm, follow the right steps, and let the professionals handle the rest. Don’t risk your smile—reach out to Finch East Dental Care for trusted care when it matters most. Call today, and let us help you feel better soon.