Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth.  Use the following tips to cope with a dental emergency quickly and calmly.

Toothache

Rinse mouth with warm water to clean it out. Use dental floss to remove any food that might be trapped between the teeth.  Do not place aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.  See your dentist as soon as possible.

Problems with Braces and Retainers

If a wire is causing irritation, cover the end with a small cotton ball, beeswax or a piece of gauze, until you can get to the dentist.  If a wire gets stuck in the cheek, tongue or gum tissue, do not attempt to remove it.  Go to your dentist immediately.  If an appliance becomes loose or a piece of it breaks off, take the appliance and the piece to the dentist.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently in running water.  Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. Do not hold the tooth by the root surface.  Gently insert the tooth in its socket.  If this is not possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk, or if not available, a cup of cool water.  Go immediately to your dentist (within 30 minutes if possible).  Don't forget to bring the tooth!

Broken tooth

Gently clean dirt from the injured area with warm water.  Place cold compresses on the face, in the area of the injured tooth, to decrease swelling.  Go to the dentist immediately.

Bitten tonge or lip

Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth.  If swelling is present, apply cold compresses.  If bleeding does not stop, go to a hospital emergency room.

Objects Caught Between Teeth

Try to remove the object with floss.  Guide the floss carefully to avoid cutting the gums.  If you're not successful in removing the object, see your dentist.  Do not try to remove the object with a sharp or pointed instrument.

Possible Broken Jaw

Do not move the jaw.  Secure the jaw in place by tying a handkercheif, necktie or towel around the jaw and over the top of the head.  If swelling is present, apply cold compresses.  Go immediately to the hospital emergency room or call an oral surgeon.