Emergencies

Consult this list of do’s and don’ts for dental emergencies. Contact your dentist as soon as you can in all cases, but these tips should help if the office is closed.

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  • Toothache
  • Do rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out.
  • Do use dental floss to remove any food that might be trapped between the teeth.
  • Don’t place aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.
  • Do make an appointment ASAP, or visit ER.
  • Knocked-Out Tooth
  • 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 it in a cup of milk or cool water.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.