The DOs and DONTs of Dental Emergencies
Please select a topic from the list below.
- Broken Denture or Bridge
- Loose or Lost Crown
- Bleeding Gums
- Canker Sore
- Toothache, Broken Filling or Tooth
- Jaw Stiffness or Pain
- Wisdom Tooth Pain
- Chipped Baby Tooth
- Teething Pain
Broken Denture or Bridge
DO:
- Save all pieces.
- If possible, keep denture or bridge in your mouth.
- Call your dentist during office hours.
DON'T:
- Don't try to repair it yourself with 'super glue' or by other means. This can permanently ruin your denture or bridge.
Loose or Lost Crown
DO:
- Keep crown in safe place.
- Call the dentist during office hours
- Toothpaste or denture adhesive may be use to temporarily cement crown back on tooth if unable to see a dentist right away, and only if you are able to seat it properly on tooth.
DON'T:
- Eat hard, sticky or chewy foods in area of the crown.
- Don't attempt to cement crown back on with 'super glue' or anything other than toothpaste or denture adhesive.
Bleeding Gums
DO:
- Rinse your mouth four times a day with one-half teaspoon of salt in four ounces of warm water
- Brush and floss even if bleeding continues
- Call your dentist during office hours
DON'T:
- Don't prolong seeing your dentist. This may be a sign of gum disease, which is correctable at early stages.
Canker Sore
DO:
- Place a topical ointment such as 'Orabase' or 'Orajel' for temporary relief.
- If many sores present, rinse with a mixture of 1/2 benedryl elixer, 1/2 kaopectate.
- Call your dentist if the sore persists over 10 days.
DON'T:
- Never place aspirin directly on the sore.
- Don't expect complete healing for 7-10 days.
Toothache, Broken Filling or Tooth
DO:
- If painful, take acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (advil or motrin), or aspirin.
- If mild or no pain, call dentist during office hours.
- If pain is severe or swelling is apparent, call the dentist as soon as possible.
DON'T:
- Don't eat hard, sticky or sweet foods.
- Stay away from very hot or cold food and drink.
- Don't place heat on the area.
- Never place aspirin on or near tooth.
Jaw Stiffness or Pain
DO:
- Take ibuprofen (advil or motrin) or naproxen (aleve).
- Alternate moist heat (warm washcloth or hot water bottle) for 20 minutes with cold (ice pack) for 20 minutes.
- Call the dentist during office hours
DON'T:
- Don't stress your jaw joint by chewing hard or sticky foods including ice and gum.
- Don't ignore this- it may be a symptom of TMJ disorder, which is treatable by the dentist.
Wisdom Tooth Pain
DO:
- Keep the area clean by brushing and flossing properly.
- Take acetaminophen (tylenol), ibuprofen (advil or motrin), or aspirin.
- Call the dentist during office hours
DON'T:
- Never place aspirin on or near tooth.
- Don't procrastinate calling the dentist
Chipped Baby Tooth
DO:
- If painful, give the child baby tylenol.
- If swollen, place ice on the area (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
- If mild or no pain, call the dentist during office hours.
- For severe pain, call the dentist as soon as possible.
DON'T:
- Don't place heat on the area.
- Don't eat sweet foods or eat or drink anything very hot or cold.
- Don't panic, there is usually no damage to the permanent teeth.
Teething Pain
DO:
- The following usually helps: cold objects (i.e. cold teething ring), teething ointment, firm finger massage.
DON'T:
- Don't leave unsafe objects wear baby can get them; your baby may want to chew on them.