Dental Emergencies 101

A dental emergency can strike without any warning. Therefore, the American Dental Association recommends that individuals become familiar with the following procedures:

? If a tooth is knocked out, hold the tooth by the crown, and rinse the root in water if it is dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, place the tooth back in its socket, or store it in a cup of milk, and contact a dentist immediately.

? If a tooth breaks, rinse the mouth with water to keep the area clean, and apply cold compresses to the face to reduce swelling. See a dentist immediately.

? If suffering from a toothache, rinse the mouth with warm water, gently floss to remove food that may be trapped around the tooth, and visit a dentist as soon as possible.