How to Handle a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can be scary, but knowing what to do can reduce pain and prevent further damage. Being prepared helps keep your smile safe until you get professional care.

Common Dental Emergencies

• Toothache: Severe or persistent pain often signals infection or decay.
• Chipped or Broken Tooth: Trauma can crack or break teeth.
• Knocked-Out Tooth: A tooth completely knocked out requires quick action.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Missing dental work can cause sensitivity or pain.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts or injuries to your gums, tongue, or lips.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

• For a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove food caught between teeth. Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
• If a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse gently, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in milk or your saliva and see a dentist immediately.
• For a broken tooth, save any pieces and rinse your mouth. Avoid chewing on that side.
• If you lose a filling or crown, try to place it back temporarily or cover the exposed tooth with dental cement or sugarless gum until you get to a dentist.
• For cuts or injuries, rinse with clean water and apply gentle pressure with gauze if bleeding.

In all cases, contact your dentist promptly for advice and care.

References

• American Dental Association. (2023). Handling dental emergencies.