Dental emergencies never show up when it’s convenient. It’s always during a vacation, on a weekend, or right before a big event. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth or sudden swelling, knowing what to do before you get to the dentist can be the difference between saving a tooth or losing it.
In this guide, we break down the most common dental emergencies, what you should do immediately, and how to stay calm and act fast until you get professional care.
TLDR – Quick Guide
Tooth Knocked Out: Rinse it gently, place it back in the socket (if possible), or store it in milk. See a dentist within 30 minutes.
Severe Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relief, and avoid extreme temperatures.
Broken or Chipped Tooth: Save any fragments, rinse your mouth, and cover sharp edges with dental wax if needed.
Lost Filling or Crown: Keep the crown, use dental cement or sugar-free gum to protect the area until you’re seen.
Swelling or Abscess: This is urgent. Rinse gently, avoid pressure, and get seen immediately—don’t ignore facial swelling.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Any situation that involves bleeding, pain, trauma, swelling, or the risk of permanent damage should be considered a dental emergency. Common examples include:
- Knocked-out teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Abscesses or severe infections
- Soft tissue injuries (tongue, cheek, gum cuts)
- Pain that interferes with eating, sleeping, or daily function
If you’re unsure, call your dentist. It’s better to check and be safe.
What to Do in the Moment
1. Knocked-Out Tooth
Act fast. Gently rinse the tooth (no scrubbing) and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or saliva. Time matters—ideally, you need to get to the dentist within 30 minutes.
2. Severe Toothache
Start with a warm saltwater rinse and take over-the-counter pain medication. Avoid chewing on that side and stay away from anything too hot or cold. Don’t place aspirin directly on your gums—it can cause burns.
3. Chipped or Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth, save any broken pieces, and use a cold compress if there’s swelling. Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to prevent cuts until you get treatment.
4. Lost Filling or Crown
Keep the crown if you can. Temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies) or sugar-free gum can help protect the exposed tooth surface and reduce sensitivity.
5. Swelling or Abscess
Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw could mean a serious infection. Don’t wait. Rinse with salt water and get to a dentist immediately. If you’re having trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room.
What Not to Do
- Don’t ignore the pain hoping it will go away
- Don’t use super glue or household adhesives on crowns or teeth
- Don’t chew ice or hard foods on injured teeth
- Don’t self-diagnose or delay seeing a professional
Key Takeaways
- Time is critical in a dental emergency—act fast and smart
- Always call your dentist, even if you’re not sure it’s urgent
- Keep dental first aid items at home (wax, salt, over-the-counter pain relief, dental cement)
- Proper care in the first minutes can save teeth and prevent complications
- If swelling spreads or you have difficulty breathing, go to the ER immediately
FAQs
Rinse your mouth, save any pieces, and cover the area with dental wax. Stick to soft foods and avoid pressure on the tooth.
Try a warm saltwater rinse, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take OTC pain relievers. Avoid lying flat—keep your head elevated to reduce pressure.
Yes, it’s available at most drugstores and can help protect a tooth until your dentist can repair it properly.
If it’s a baby tooth, it may come out naturally. But never force it, and avoid pulling adult teeth without a dentist’s evaluation.
If you’re experiencing facial swelling, high fever, difficulty breathing, or trouble swallowing, go to the ER immediately—it could be a serious infection.
