Emergencies

Emergency attention is not usually required for loose or broken dental appliances that do not cause discomfort. If you can do so easily, remove the broken appliance. Otherwise, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, or gauze. DO NOT remove any wire caught in the gums, cheek, or tongue. If this happens, see a dentist immediately.

First aid for a broken tooth: rinse the area with warm water and put a cold compress on the face. Recover any tooth fragments and seek immediate dental attention.

Time is essential in the case of a knocked out tooth. You will want to first recover the tooth (be careful to hold the tooth by the crown, NOT the root). Rinse the tooth gently; don’t clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. Otherwise, carry the tooth in a cup containing milk and see a dentist immediately.

In the event of a jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie, or handkerchief and go to the emergency room immediately.

Fold a piece of gauze and place it tightly on the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes. If bleeding persists, see a dentist as soon as possible.