Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth or severely bitten tongue, can be quite a shock. The best course of action is not to panic, but prevent further damage and call a professional. If you act quickly, you may be able to prevent the need for dental restoration. 

Courtesy of the American Dental Association, here are some tips for handling Dental Emergencies:

Bitten Tongue or Lip

Gently cleanse the area with a clean cloth. Apply a cold compress to control swelling. Go to a hospital or emergency room if bleeding does not stop.

Broken/Cracked Tooth

Clean the area by rinsing your mouth with warm water. Apply cold compresses on the area to minimize swelling and call your dentist immediately.

Possibly Broken Jaw

Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately.

Tooth Knocked-Out

Hold the knocked-out tooth by its crown. If it is dirty, rinse the root of the tooth in water. Don't scrub it or touch any attached fragments of tissue. If you can, gently insert the tooth back in its socket and hold it there. If that is not possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk and bring it to the dentist quickly.

Objects Stuck Between Teeth

Gently attempt to remove it with dental floss, but be cautious around the gums to avoid cuts. DO NOT use any sharp instruments to remove the object. If using dental floss is not successful, call your dentist.

Toothache

Clean your mouth by rinsing with warm water. Use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to make sure no food or debris is caught between your teeth. Do not put aspirin or another pain reliever against the gums of the aching tooth, as it may burn the tissue. If the toothache persists, call your dentist.