A dental emergency requires immediate, professional care provided by your dentist. However, there are some actions you can take to help out before you reach your dentist.

A Tooth Gets Knocked Out

Believe it or not, you should try to replant the tooth in its socket. Do not touch the root of the tooth and make sure it is clean before you attempt replanting. If it isn’t, then gently wash it with milk or water for no more than 10 seconds (so you will not wash away the cells that help in tooth attachment). Do not force the tooth in its place, but gently slide it in and keep it there by biting down on a gauze pad. If you cannot replant the tooth, then keep it moist by placing it in milk or in your mouth.

Toothache

Toothaches that are persistent, cause extreme pain, or are accompanied with swelling and fever warrant care as soon as possible. In the interim, rinse your mouth with warm water, gently floss food from teeth, or apply a cold compress outside the mouth to bring down the swelling. Do not apply an aspirin directly to the area because it can burn the gums.

Broken Tooth

If your tooth has chipped, save any pieces you find (your dentist may be able to use them). Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If there is bleeding, stop it by pressing a gauze pad to the area.

Objects Stuck In The Teeth

You can first try flossing these objects from your teeth. If this does not prove successful, then see your dentist or go to the emergency room. Do not try to remove these objects with the use of a sharp item; you may cause damage to your teeth and gums by doing so.