Dental Emergency: How to Handle An Emergency

What to do until you see a dentist.

The items below can be helpful in a dental emergency and can be found in many pharmacies.

Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, causing discomfort and anxiety. Knowing how to respond promptly can make a significant difference in the outcome, whether it's a cracked tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or severe tooth pain.

Many pharmacies have dental sections that can help provide temporary relief from dental pain.

Below are some things you can do until you can see a dentist.

Clean the area gently.

In almost all cases, you want to clean the area in question. Gently brush and floss the area. If you have a water pick and if it does not hurt too much, you can try rinsing the area with your water pick.

Immediate Steps for Common Dental Emergencies

1. Severe Toothache

To manage a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with a mild salt water solution to help reduce pain and clean the area. Avoid using aspirin directly on the gum tissue, as it can cause irritation. If pain persists, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to relieve pain.

Ibuprofen is helpful to manage severe pain. Check with your physician before taking any medication.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ibuprofen-oral-route/description/drg-20070602

You want to ensure you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. People tend not to drink water when they are in pain.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth is knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown, not the root, to avoid damage. Rinse it gently with warm water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments. Try to place the tooth immediately back into its socket and hold it in place with gentle pressure. If it's impossible to re-implant your tooth, keep it moist in a small container of milk.

Another option is to rinse off your tooth and place it inside your mouth. Hold your tooth between your cheek and tongue. The fluids from your saliva will help keep your tooth moist.

See your dentist immediately.

3. Cracked, Chipped or Broken Tooth

If your tooth is cracked or chipped, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area gently. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Avoid chewing on the side of the cracked tooth until you reach the dentist's office for emergency dental care.

Depending on the size of the crack or chip, you can apply orthodontic wax to the area where your tooth is cracked or chipped.

4. Objects Stuck in your mouth or between your teeth

If an object is stuck between your teeth, gently remove it with dental floss or a toothpick. Dr. Tungs's Smart Floss is thin, and then it spreads out to remove debris.