Even if you take very good care of your teeth, you still might experience a dental emergency at some point. Whether it is a toothache or lost filling, a dental emergency is a serious matter and should be taken care of promptly. However, you may not always be able to get to the dentist's office right away. Fortunately, you can do a few things at home to reduce the pain and minimize the risk of infection. Here are some common dental emergencies and how you should take care of them:

Sore Tooth

A sore tooth can wake you up in the middle of the night and make you scream out in pain. If you can't see the dentist for a couple days, you can do some things to take away the pain. For example, swishing warm salt water in your mouth a few times a day can take down the inflammation and minimize discomfort. Applying clove oil to the sore tooth can also make a big difference. This oil is packed with antibacterial and analgesic properties and can take the pain away, according to The New York Times. Just put a few drops of the clove oil on a cotton ball and press it against the sore tooth until the pain decreases. Just be careful not to swallow the clove oil; doing so can increase the risk of liver and respiratory issues.

Broken Wire on Braces

If a wire on your braces breaks, it can poke your gums and tongue, causing a lot of discomfort. Trying to reposition the wire can be complicated, so try putting a cotton ball or orthodontic wax on the end of the wire. That should subside some of the discomfort until you are able to get to the orthodontist's office.

Lost Filling

Dental fillings do not last forever. Once a filling wears down, it can fall out of your mouth. If this just happened to you, do not panic. If you make an appointment with your dentist right away, he can just restore the tooth with another filling. However, waiting too long to get another filling can result in a missing tooth. If the dentist can't see you for a couple of days, try putting a piece of sugarless gum on the tooth.

Chipped Tooth

Whether it is caused by eating something hard or by bruxism, a chipped tooth should not be ignored. If any pieces of tooth fall out, you should save them in a plastic bag. Then, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce the risk of infection. If you feel any soreness, you can put a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes. When you visit your dentist, do not forget to bring the broken tooth fragments with you. The dentist might be able to bond them back to your tooth.

Lost Crown

Just like fillings, dental crowns can sometimes fall out. Perhaps the cement holding the crown was not durable enough or the tooth under your crown is decayed. No matter what the cause is, it is vital to get to the dental office as soon as possible. The dentist might be able to cement the old crown back to your tooth. In the meantime, try to put the crown back on your tooth with temporary crown cement.

Dental emergencies are definitely frustrating, but they can be taken care of. If you are experiencing any of the dental emergencies above, stay calm and see your dentist as soon as you can. Most dentists sympathize with these emergencies and will make time to see you. You can also search for an emergency dentist if you regular dentist can't see you.