Dental emergencies like toothaches or knocked out tooth can happen to anyone regardless of age. Injuries to the mouth may include teeth that are knocked out (avulsed), forced out of position and loosened (extruded) or fractured. In addition, lips, gums or cheeks are often cut. All dental emergencies should be treated under the supervision or guidance of a dental health professional in order to preserve the teeth for as long as possible.

Here are some tips for common dental emergencies:

For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums or in milk. Then, get to your dentist’s office right away.

If a tooth cracks, rinse your mouth immediately with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on your face to keep any swelling down.

If you bite your lip or tongue, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.

Emergency dentist

For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth.