Dental Emergencies
Toothache
• Do rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out.
• Do use dental floss to remove any food that may be trapped between the teeth.
• Don’t place aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.
• Do see your dentist as soon as possible.
Knocked-
• Do rinse the tooth in running water if it’s dirty.
• Don’t scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments.
• Do gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket, or place the tooth in the mouth between the upper back teeth and the cheek.
• Do go straight to your dentist – if you get there in 30 minutes or less, there’s a good chance the tooth can be put back in its rightful place.
Broken Tooth
• Do gently clean dirt from the injured area with warm water.
• Do place cold compresses on the face in the area of the injured tooth to decrease swelling.
• Do go to the dentist immediately.
Bitten Tongue or Lip
• Do apply direct pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth.
• Do apply cold compresses if swelling is present.
• Do go to the emergency room if the bleeding doesn’t stop.
Braces and Retainer Problems
• Do use a small cotton ball, beeswax or piece of gauze if a wire is causing irritation.
• Don’t remove a wire that gets stuck in your cheek, tongue or gum tissue; see a dentist or orthodontist.
• Do go to the dentist or orthodontist if an appliance comes loose or breaks.
Objects Caught Between Teeth
• Do try to remove the object with floss, being careful not to cut the gums.
• Don’t use a sharp or pointed instrument.
• Do go to the dentist if you can’t remove it.
Possible Broken Jaw
• Don’t move your jaw.
• Do secure it in place by tying a handkerchief, necktie or towel around the jaw and over the top of your head.
• Do apply cold compresses if swelling is present.
• Do go immediately to a hospital emergency room.
If you have questions about a potential problem not listed here, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist. While there is no substitute for a visit to your dentist’s office, their words of advice can be very reassuring in a time of crisis.