Dental Emergency Guidance Tool

Immediate Steps:

• Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of water)
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed (avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum or tooth)
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)
• Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages
• If swelling is present or you have fever, seek immediate dental care

Immediate Steps:

• Save any broken tooth fragments and rinse them gently with water
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
• If there's bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or tea bag
• Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum to protect your tongue and cheeks
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
• Avoid chewing on the damaged tooth

Immediate Steps:

• Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (white part), NOT the root
• Gently rinse the tooth with milk or water if it's dirty, but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments
• Try to reinsert the tooth back into its socket if possible, facing the correct way
• If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth moist at all times by placing it in milk, saline solution, or between your cheek and gums
• Control bleeding by biting on a clean gauze or cloth
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Seek emergency dental care immediately

Immediate Steps:

• Rinse your mouth with cold water or diluted hydrogen peroxide (equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide)
• Apply gentle pressure with a clean, moist gauze pad or tea bag for 10-15 minutes
• Avoid hot foods, alcohol, and tobacco as these can increase bleeding
• If bleeding follows an injury or is extremely heavy, seek immediate care
• If bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes, contact a dentist

Immediate Steps:

• Apply a cold compress to the swollen area (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)
• Stay hydrated but avoid extremely hot or cold beverages
• Elevate your head when lying down to reduce swelling
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
• If swelling affects your ability to breathe or swallow, go to an emergency room immediately
• Do not apply heat to the swelling as this may worsen the infection

Immediate Steps:

• If a wire is poking you, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end (available at pharmacies)
• If no wax is available, use a small piece of sugar-free gum to temporarily cover the sharp edge
• For a loose bracket, leave it in place if still attached to the wire and apply wax as needed
• If a bracket or wire comes completely off, place it in a small container and bring it to your appointment
• For severe discomfort, take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
• Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could cause further damage

Immediate Steps:

• Rinse your mouth frequently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of water)
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed (avoid aspirin for children)
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling
• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages
• If you experience fever, facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek immediate emergency care
• Do not attempt to pop or drain the abscess yourself

Immediate Steps:

• Avoid triggers such as very hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste
• Rinse with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
• Apply clove oil (available at pharmacies) with a cotton ball to the affected area
• If sensitivity is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or fever, seek immediate care

Recommended Steps: