Dental emergencies can be stressful and sometimes even frightening—especially when they involve a child or elderly loved one. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth from a sports injury or sudden swelling and pain that comes on out of nowhere, knowing what to do in the moment can make all the difference. Some issues require immediate care, while others can wait until the next available appointment.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common dental emergencies, how to respond, and when it’s time to contact your dentist for professional help.
1. A Knocked-Out Tooth
If a permanent (adult) tooth is knocked out, act quickly. There is a small window of time—ideally within 30 to 60 minutes—when the tooth may be successfully reimplanted.
What to do:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- Gently rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub or use soap.
- Try to place the tooth back into its socket if possible. If not, keep it in a container of milk or in the person’s cheek (if they’re old enough not to swallow it).
- Call your dentist immediately.
If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not attempt to reinsert it. Contact your dentist to determine the next steps.
2. A Cracked or Broken Tooth
Cracks or breaks can range from minor chips to serious fractures that expose the nerve. These injuries can be painful and often require prompt treatment.
What to do:
- Rinse the mouth gently with warm water to clean the area.
- If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the face.
- If you can find any broken pieces, save them and bring them with you.
- Avoid chewing on that side of the mouth until seen by a dentist.
- Call your dentist as soon as possible.
3. Severe Toothache
Toothaches can have many causes: cavities, infections, trauma, or even something as simple as food caught between the teeth. But when pain is sharp, constant, or worsening, it’s a sign that something needs attention.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Floss gently to ensure nothing is stuck between the teeth.
- Do not place aspirin directly on the gum—it can cause a burn.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed.
- Call your dentist if the pain persists or worsens.
4. Swelling or Signs of Infection
Swelling in the jaw, gums, or face—especially when paired with fever, pain, or a bad taste in the mouth—could indicate an abscess or other serious infection. Infections in the mouth can spread quickly and should never be ignored.
What to do:
- Rinse with warm saltwater to help reduce bacteria.
- Do not apply heat, as it can sometimes make infection worse.
- Call your dentist right away.
- If the swelling makes it difficult to breathe or swallow, go to the nearest emergency room.
5. Lost or Loose Fillings or Crowns
While not always painful, losing a filling or crown can leave the tooth vulnerable to damage or decay.
What to do:
- Save the crown or filling if possible and bring it to your appointment.
- You can temporarily place dental wax or over-the-counter dental cement over the area to protect it.
- Avoid chewing on that side of the mouth.
- Schedule a dental appointment soon to prevent further issues.
6. Lip, Tongue, or Gum Injuries
Biting the tongue or lip, or experiencing trauma to the soft tissues in the mouth, can result in heavy bleeding.
What to do:
- Clean the area gently with water.
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- If bleeding doesn’t stop within 10-15 minutes or the cut is deep, seek emergency care.
How to Prepare for Dental Emergencies
Emergencies are unpredictable, but being prepared can help reduce stress and lead to better outcomes.
Keep the following on hand in your home or first-aid kit:
- Gauze and clean cloths
- A small, clean container with a lid (for knocked-out teeth)
- Over-the-counter dental wax
- Ice packs or cold compresses
- Pain relief medication (as recommended by your healthcare provider)
- Your dentist’s phone number saved in your phone
If you’re a parent or caregiver, talk to children and older adults about what to do in a dental emergency. Encourage sports safety by using mouthguards during physical activity, and remind kids never to use their teeth to open packages or bite hard objects.
When to Call Hallock Family Dental
If you’re unsure whether something is a true emergency, it’s always okay to call your dentist’s office. They can help you determine whether you need to be seen immediately or if your situation can wait for a scheduled appointment.
Prompt attention can prevent complications, relieve pain, and often save the natural tooth, so don’t hesitate to reach out when something doesn’t feel right.
Hallock Family Dental Is Your Family Dentistry
The team at Hallock Family Dental looks forward to helping your family maintain healthy teeth, gums, and mouths through every stage of life, with two locations in Texas for your convenience. Whether you need cosmetic or restorative dentistry, surgical services, or a twice-a-year check-up, our family-owned practice is committed to providing you with top-quality, personalized service. Call our Allen location at 972-390-7200 or our McKinney location at 972-547-1775 to learn more about how we can help you and your family have the healthiest, brightest smiles possible.
