Hit with sudden tooth pain or a knocked-out tooth? Dental emergencies are scary, but quick action often makes a big difference. Below are clear steps you can use the moment something goes wrong.
Severe toothache. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and gently floss to remove trapped food. Take ibuprofen if you can and follow package directions. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum. Contact your dentist the same day because persistent pain usually needs a professional exam and treatment.
Knocked-out tooth. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse off visible dirt using milk or saline and never scrub the root. If possible, push the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place. If you can't reinsert it, store the tooth in milk, or between your cheek and gum, and get to a dentist immediately. The chance to save the tooth drops after about sixty minutes.
Broken or chipped tooth. Save any broken fragments and rinse your mouth. Apply a cold pack to the face to reduce swelling. If the edge is sharp, cover it with dental wax or sugarless gum to protect your cheek and tongue. See your dentist quickly to prevent further damage or infection.
Lost filling or crown. Keep the piece if you find it. You can use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to reattach a crown, or a small amount of toothpaste as a short-term fix. Avoid sticky foods and book a dental visit within days to replace the restoration properly.
If bleeding after an injury won't stop, bite on clean gauze with firm pressure for ten to twenty minutes. If bleeding is heavy or won't stop, go to the emergency room. Swelling, fever, bad taste, or spreading redness suggest infection. Dental infections can spread to the jaw or neck and become dangerous. Call your dentist or urgent care; you may need antibiotics or immediate drainage.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers exactly as directed. Avoid very hot or cold foods if they trigger pain. Don't try to extract a tooth yourself. If you suspect a jaw fracture, if you cannot close your mouth, or if breathing is hard, go to emergency services right away.
Bring any tooth pieces, a list of current medications, and notes about how the injury happened. Photos of the injury area help explain swelling or missing pieces. Tell the office about allergies or medical conditions.
Wear a mouthguard for contact sports, avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens, and keep regular dental checkups. Fast, sensible action often keeps small problems from becoming big ones. Know where your local emergency dental care is before you need it.
If in doubt, call your dentist. An early phone call can stop confusion and get you fast advice or same-day appointments and protect your smile.
