How to handle common dental emergencies............................

Tooth ache:

1. Rinse your mouth out with warm water if your tooth is hurting.

2. Use dental floss to remove any food that’s gotten lodged between teeth

3. A cold compress on the outside of the mouth can help relieve pain and swelling.

4. Don’t put aspirin or other painkillers directly on the tooth or gums.

Chipped tooth:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm water and be sure to rinse any pieces of tooth.

2. Save any pieces that have broken off and bring them to the dentist.

3. Use gauze to help stop any bleeding of the gums, lips or cheeks.

4. Apply a cold compress to the painful area.

Knocked-out tooth: 1.Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it off if it’s dirty.

2. Don’t remove any tissue that’s still attached to the tooth.

3. Try to place the tooth back in its socket, making sure it’s facing the right way.

4. If you can’t reinsert it put it in milk or saltwater on your way to the dentist.

Stuck object: 1. Try using dental floss to gently remove whatever is stuck in your mouth.

2. If you can’t dislodge it, do not use pins or other implements that could scratch your enamel

3. Sharp instruments could slip and injure delicate tissue in the mouth

4. See your dentist right away to have the issue addressed

Lost crown: 1. Crowns can come loose and fall off occasionally

2. If yours falls off, save the crown and bring it to the dentist with you

3. If you have tooth pain, you can try to temporarily reaffix the crown.

4. Use toothpaste, dental cement or denture adhesive to help hold it in place.

Abscess: 1.A dental abscess is an infection and should be treated as soon as possible.

2. If left untreated the infection could spread to other parts of the body

3. Look for a small, painful, pimple-like swelling on the gums.

4. Rinse with warm saltwater to help relieve pain and swelling and see your dentist immediately.