How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies Until You See Your Dentist

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them—during a meal, while playing sports, or even late at night. Knowing what to do in the moment can help relieve pain, prevent further damage, and even save a tooth. While these tips may help in the short term, they are not substitutes for professional care. Always follow up with your dentist as soon as possible.

1. Toothache

A toothache can be caused by decay, infection, or something as simple as food stuck between teeth.
What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Floss gently to remove any trapped debris.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
• Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum—it can burn the tissue.
• Call your dentist if the pain persists or worsens.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

Quick action is critical—a tooth has the best chance of being saved if treated within an hour.
What to do:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
• If dirty, rinse gently with water—don’t scrub or remove attached tissue.
• Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket if possible.
• If you can’t, store it in a small container of milk or saliva.
• Get to your dentist right away.

3. Broken or Chipped Tooth

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Save any broken pieces if you can.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugarless gum to protect your tongue or cheek until you see your dentist.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

What to do:

• If a crown falls out, try to slip it back over the tooth using dental cement (available at drugstores). Do not use glue.
• For a lost filling, you can place sugarless gum or temporary dental material into the cavity to protect the area.
• See your dentist promptly to restore the tooth properly.

5. Abscess or Swelling

Dental abscesses are infections that require urgent care.
What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution several times a day.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief as needed.
• Do not try to drain the abscess yourself.
• Contact your dentist immediately—untreated infections can spread quickly.

6. Soft Tissue Injuries (Lips, Tongue, Cheeks)

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth gently with salt water.
• Apply pressure with clean gauze to stop bleeding.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10–15 minutes, seek emergency care.

Final Thoughts Dental emergencies can be stressful, but staying calm and knowing what to do makes all the difference. Remember: these are only temporary solutions. Always follow up with your dentist as soon as possible to ensure your teeth and gums heal properly.

We do offer an emergency option for after hour calls for our current established patients. Prevent extra stress during dental emergencies by having a dentist you see on a regular basis. Call us at 810-987-3340 to schedule a new patient exam! We are accepting new patients.