Swelling after a dental injury can be painful and stressful. Such injuries can easily happen when you are playing a sport or biting down on something hard. Regardless of the reason for the injury, it is important to understand how to manage the swelling. The weather conditions in Southern California can make the swelling feel worse.
Swelling happens because your body is reacting to the injury. While it is a normal response, it can feel uncomfortable. The good news is that you can easily manage the swelling at home using a few simple tricks. These include using a cold pack, getting enough rest, and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. However, in certain situations, you might need to see a dentist.
Sometimes, home care is not enough. If the swelling does not go away after 24 hours with home remedies or the pain has become severe, you should visit a Van Nuys dental clinic. It is important to get proper care to avoid serious problems.
Steps to manage swelling after a dental injury
-
Apply a cold compress.
If you want to manage your swelling after a dental injury, the first thing you need to do is apply a cold compress. You can apply a cold pack or wrap ice in a cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin, reducing the risk of frostbite.
Place the cold compress on the swollen area for 15-20 minutes, then wait for 15-20 minutes before applying it again. Make sure you repeat this process several times throughout the day, especially within the first 24 hours after your injury.
-
Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
You can also take some over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, to manage both pain and swelling. It is an anti-inflammatory medication that reduces swelling and also provides you relief from pain.
Make sure you follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid taking too much. You should never exceed the recommended amount. However, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
-
Keep your head elevated.
Keeping your head elevated can also help reduce swelling. Elevating your head increases blood circulation and prevents it from accumulating in the injured area, which can make the swelling worse.
When resting, try using pillows to lift up your head or sleep with your head raised higher than the rest of your body. This position can help reduce the swelling in the affected area, especially during the first 48 hours after your injury.
-
Stay on a soft food diet.
It is very important to have a soft diet when you are recovering from a dental injury. You should avoid hard or crunchy foods, as they can cause irritation and lead to further pain and swelling.
Therefore, try eating soft foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and soups. These foods are less likely to put strain on the injured area and prevent further swelling. Moreover, it is important to eat slowly and avoid chewing directly on the injured side of your mouth.
-
Rinse gently with warm salt water.
Rinsing gently with warm salt water can also help you manage the swelling. Salt water works as a natural disinfectant, which reduces bacteria in your mouth and promotes healing. The procedure is very simple. Just mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it for about 20-30 minutes.
Make sure you do this gently, too, to avoid any irritation to the injury. Moreover, you can rinse with salt water several times a day to keep the area clean and help speed up the healing process.
Get dental injury relief today!
Dealing with swelling after a dental injury can be uncomfortable. If your condition does not get better using the listed methods, visit your dentist immediately!