Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Emergency

Date Posted: 12/12/2001

Question
What should I do in a dental emergency?

Answer
Toothache:
Very persistent toothache is always a sign that you need to see a dentist as soon as practicable. In the meantime, you should try to obtain relief by rinsing the mouth with water and trying to clean out debris from any obvious cavities. Use dental floss to remove any food that might be trapped within the cavity (especially between the teeth). If swelling is present, place a cold compress to the outside of the cheek (DO NOT HEAT). Take pain relief if necessary, using pain medicines that you know you are safe with. Remember, no pain relief tablets will work directly on the tooth. They must be swallowed as directed. If placed on the tooth, they can cause more trouble (especially aspirin).

Braces or retainers:
If a wire is causing irritation, cover the end of the wire with a small cotton ball or a piece of gauze or soft wax. If a wire is embedded in the cheek, tongue or gum tissue, DO NOT attempt to remove it: Let the dentist do it. If there is a loose or broken appliance, GO TO THE ORTHODONTIST OR DENTIST.

Knocked out tooth:
If dirty, rinse tooth in milk holding it by the crown (not roots). If not available use water (few seconds only) or have patient suck it clean, then put the tooth back in the socket. If the tooth cannot be replanted, wrap in Glad Wrap or place it in milk or in the patient's mouth inside the cheek. Go to a dentist within 30 minutes if you can. Time is critical for successful replanting.

Broken tooth:
Try to clean debris from the injured area with warm water. If caused by a blow, place a cold compress on the face next to the injured tooth to minimize swelling. Try to find all the bits that are missing and bring them to the dentist, keeping them moist. Some broken bits can be bonded back onto the teeth almost invisibly. Go to the dentist as soon as practicable.

Bitten tongue or lip:
Apply direct pressure to bleeding area with a clean cloth. If swelling is present, apply cold compress. If bleeding doesn't stop readily or the bite is severe, go to the dentist or hospital.

Objects wedged between teeth:
Try to remove the object with dental floss. Guide the floss in carefully so as not to cut the gums. If unsuccessful, go to a dentist.

As part of a community campaign to promote good oral health care for babies and toddlers the ADA has developed oral hygiene tips for parents and carers of young children.

> Learn more

ADAVB’s Convention – Dentistry2010 – will
be bigger and better with the introduction of pre-Convention workshops and multiple concurrent sessions.

The ADA's 2010 Advertising Planner is now available.

Dental Health Week is a community awareness program coordinated and funded by the ADA. In 2009 the ADA is leading a campaign to target 55 year olds and over and has developed a range of Fact Sheets on oral health care. August 3rd - 9th is Dental Health Week.

> Click here for DHW 2009 Media Release.

>Click here for previous Dental Health Week material.

The ADA is once again conducting a Mouthguard Awareness campaign in 2009.

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