Dental emergencies can be scary for everyone. If an accident happens, knowing what to do can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
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, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then, get to your dentist’s office right away.
- For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down.
- If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.
- For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues. Take Tylenol or ibuprofen as needed to reduce the pain.
- For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.
When you have a dental emergency, it’s important to visit your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible.
Here are some simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:
- Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.
- Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
- Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.
If you are having swelling that restricts your breathing or swallowing please call 911 or go immediately to your local emergency room.
Most of our offices reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients. Call your dentist and provide as much detail as possible about your condition. Click here to contact us.
Explore our Dental Services
Visit Our Wayne Dental Office
Dentist Wayne
Wayne Location
1108 W. 7th Street,
Wayne, NE 68787
(402) 375-2889
Our Dental News
Dentist Wayne
How Long Does a Temporary Crown Last? | Family 1st Dental of Wayne
If you’ve recently undergone root canal therapy at Family 1st Dental of Wayne with Dr. Mitchell Knudsen, you’ve likely received a temporary crown over the treated tooth. This temporary crown serves as a placeholder until the permanent crown is custom-made […]
Learn MoreIs Gum Good for Your Oral Health? The Surprising Answer! | Mitchel Knudsen DDS
Chewing gum has been a timeless habit enjoyed by many, offering flavors, breath freshening, and a way to occupy idle moments. But does gum contribute positively to your oral health? The answer is a resounding yes, but there’s a catch. […]
Learn MoreEffective Prevention for Healthier Smiles | Dentist in 68787
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease for children and adolescents. About ¼ of children and more than half of teens currently have this illness. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 90% of adults […]
Learn More