What to Do in a Dental Emergency: A 5-Minute Guide

Dental emergencies happen at inconvenient times — late nights, weekends, on vacation. The actions you take in the first hour can determine whether a tooth is saved or lost. Here's the field guide every household should know.

Knocked-out tooth (avulsion)

Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown — the white part, not the root. Gently rinse it with milk or saline (not water). If you can, place it back in the socket and bite down on a clean cloth. If not, store it in a cup of milk or saliva. Get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. The faster you act, the higher the chance the tooth survives.

Cracked or chipped tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water. Save any pieces you can find. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling. Call your dentist for a same-day appointment. Avoid chewing on that side and skip very hot or cold foods until you're seen.

Severe toothache

Floss gently around the painful tooth to remove anything trapped between teeth. Rinse with warm salt water. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever per the package directions. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum — that can burn tissue. See your dentist within 24 hours; severe pain usually indicates infection or significant decay.

Lost filling or crown

Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. If a crown came off, dental cement from any pharmacy can temporarily re-secure it. Don't use household glue. See your dentist within a few days.

When to go to the ER instead

Facial swelling that's spreading toward the eye or down the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and trauma involving the jaw all warrant the emergency room, not a dental office. These can be life-threatening.