EMERGENCY CARE AND DENTAL FIRST AID

On This Page: Knocked-out Tooth | Broken Tooth | Bitten Tongue/Lip | Objects Caught in Teeth | Toothache | Braces/Retainers | Broken Jaw

If you and your family are into sports or other activities that put you at risk for dental injuries, be sure to print this page and tape it to your refrigerator or medicine cabinet - along with the office and emergency telephone numbers for your FDA-member dentist.

Knocked-out (evulsed) Tooth
Losing a baby tooth is one thing. Getting a tooth knocked-out - or evulsed - is another. If you lose a tooth playing sports or other kind of accident, follow these steps:

  1. Retrieve the tooth and hold it by the crown. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it - without scrubbing or removing any tissue.
  2. If possible, replace the tooth in the "socket", the area where the tooth came out, and close the teeth together to hold it in place. Or, put the tooth in a cup of cool milk or water.
  3. Get to your dentist within 30 minutes if possible. If it's after-hours, call your dentist immediately.

Broken Tooth
Teeth break for a variety of reasons - there may be a fracture in the tooth or it might break while you're chewing on a piece of ice or hard candy. If you break a tooth:

  1. Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
  2. Use cold compresses on the area to keep the swelling down.
  3. Get to your dentist's office quickly. If it's after-hours, call your dentist immediately.

Bitten Tongue or Lip
Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding and place a cold compress to swollen areas. If the bleeding doesn't stop, go to a hospital emergency room.

Objects Caught Between Teeth
Carefully guide dental floss between the teeth. If the object remains embedded, go to the dentist. To avoid injury to your gums, jaw or tongue, do not use anything sharp and pointed to remove the object.

Toothache
Rinse the mouth with warm water and floss to remove any food that might be trapped between the teeth. Then, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Problems with Braces and Retainers
Go to the dentist if:

Trauma to the Jaw/Broken Jaw
Tie a scarf, handkerchief, necktie or towel around the jaw and over the top of the head to hold the jaw in place. Apply cold compresses to swollen areas and call your dentist or go immediately to a hospital emergency room.