06/15/2026
Here are some simple, at-home tips for dealing with dental emergencies when they happen: 1. Rinse the mouth using warm water 2. For tooth chips or breaks, save the pieces & see the dentist ASAP 3. Rinse off the broken pieces 4. Apply a piece of gauze to any area that is bleeding - for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops 5.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth, near the broken/chipped tooth , to keep swelling down & relieve pain 6. Take other-the-counter pain medicine (rotate between Tylenol & Advil, if tolerated).
For a knocked out tooth: 1. Hold it by the crown (the part that's usually exposed in the mouth) 2. Rinse off the root with water if it's dirty 3. Do NOT scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments 4. If possible, try to put the tooth back in place. (NOTE: Make sure it's facing the right way) 5. Never force it into the socket. 6. If you can’t put the tooth back into the socket, hold it in the mouth on the way to the dentist, or put it in a small container of milk.
For all dental emergencies, call the dentist ASAP.