Ask the Dentist!
Handling Dental Emergencies
Knocked-out tooth
Baby tooth (Primary)
If a primary tooth is lost due to an accident, do not try to replace the tooth. This could result in injury to the developing permanent tooth. Bring the child and tooth to the dentist as soon as reasonably possible.
Adult tooth (Permanent)
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it should be put back in place if possible. Hold the tooth by the top, not the root. If it appears dirty quickly, and gently rinse it with water. Do not scrub the root. Gently try to insert the tooth into its socket and then hold it in place on the way to the dentist. If it cannot be reinserted, the tooth needs to be stored in one of the following ways until the dentist is seen. Place the tooth on the inside of the lip between the cheek and gum and hold it there on the way to the dentist, cold milk, saline (salt) solution or emergency tooth preservation kit which is found at most all pharmacies.
Again, visit a dentist as soon as possible following the accident.
Broken or cracked tooth
Go to the dentist right away and bring the broken piece of tooth with you. If an accident or trauma occurs, apply ice to the area of trauma outside the mouth to help reduce swelling. See the dentist as soon as possible.
Bitten cheek, tongue or lip
Clean the area gently with a cloth and place a cold compress over the area (if possible) to keep down any swelling. If bleeding cannot be controlled over the first 1-2 hours see a dentist, physician or emergency room as soon as possible.
Toothache or swollen face
Swelling of the face can be a sign of a serious infection. If the face is visibly swollen, see the dentist or physician as soon as possible. For toothaches, visit the dentist as soon as possible and give over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve some of the pain.
Possible broken jaw
Apply a cold compress as soon as possible and visit an urgent care clinic or emergency room as soon as soon as possible.