Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly and may cause pain, bleeding, swelling, or damage to your teeth and mouth. Knowing what to do when a dental emergency occurs can help protect your oral health and improve the chances of successful treatment.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is a problem involving your teeth, gums, or mouth that requires prompt attention. Some dental emergencies involve severe pain or infection, while others involve an injury or damage to a tooth.

If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it is best to contact our dental team. We can help determine how quickly you should be seen.

Severe Toothache

A sudden or severe toothache can be a sign of tooth decay, infection, a damaged tooth, or another underlying dental problem.

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and carefully clean around the affected tooth to remove any food particles. Avoid placing aspirin or other medication directly against the gum or tooth, as this can damage the surrounding tissue.

If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, contact a dentist as soon as possible.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A permanent tooth that has been completely knocked out requires urgent dental attention. Acting quickly may improve the possibility of saving the tooth.

• Handle the tooth carefully by the crown, not the root.
• If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing it.
• If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket without forcing it.
• If you cannot place it back into the socket, keep it moist in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation solution.
• Seek emergency dental care immediately.

A knocked-out baby tooth should not normally be placed back into the socket, as this can potentially damage the developing permanent tooth.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

A tooth can break or chip as a result of an accident, biting something hard, tooth decay, or an existing weakness in the tooth.

Rinse your mouth with water and try to save any broken pieces of the tooth. If there is swelling, a cold compress applied to the outside of the face may help reduce it.

Contact your dentist promptly so the tooth can be examined and an appropriate restoration can be recommended.

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth may cause pain when chewing or sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. Some cracks may be difficult to see, so an examination is important even if the damage does not appear obvious.

Avoid chewing on the affected side and arrange a dental examination as soon as possible.

Dental Abscess or Infection

A dental abscess is an infection that can develop around a tooth or in the surrounding tissues. It may cause pain, swelling, a bad taste, or drainage.

Signs of a possible dental infection can include:

• Severe or persistent tooth pain
• Swelling of the gum, face, or jaw
• Fever
• A persistent bad taste in the mouth
• Pus or drainage around a tooth
• Difficulty chewing

A dental infection requires prompt professional evaluation. Do not attempt to drain an abscess yourself.

Swelling of the Face or Jaw

Facial or jaw swelling can be associated with a dental infection and should be assessed promptly.

If swelling is accompanied by difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or swelling that is rapidly increasing, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to the lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums can result in bleeding. Rinse your mouth gently with clean water and apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth to the area.

If bleeding does not stop after applying consistent pressure, or if the injury is severe, seek urgent medical attention.

Something Stuck Between Your Teeth

Food or other material can occasionally become trapped between your teeth and cause discomfort.

Try gently removing the material with dental floss. Avoid using sharp objects or tools that could damage your gums or teeth.

If you cannot remove the object or the discomfort continues, contact your dental team.

Lost Dental Filling

A filling can occasionally become loose or fall out. The exposed tooth may become sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.

Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on the affected tooth until it can be examined.

Contact your dentist to determine whether the filling can be replaced or whether additional treatment is needed.

Lost Crown

If a dental crown becomes loose or falls off, keep the crown and bring it with you to your dental appointment.

Keep the exposed tooth clean and avoid chewing on that side. Do not use permanent glue or household adhesives to attach the crown yourself.

Dental Emergencies in Children

Children can experience many of the same dental emergencies as adults, including knocked-out, chipped, or damaged teeth.

Dental injuries involving baby teeth and permanent teeth can require different approaches, so contact your dental team promptly after an injury.

If a child’s permanent tooth is knocked out, seek urgent dental attention and follow the recommended steps for preserving the tooth.

What Should You Keep in Your Dental Emergency Kit?

Having a few basic supplies available can be helpful if a dental emergency occurs.

• Clean gauze
• A small clean container
• Dental floss
• A cold compress or ice pack
• Over-the-counter pain medication, if appropriate for you

When Should You Seek Emergency Medical Care?

Some dental problems can become medical emergencies. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling
• Severe uncontrolled bleeding
• Loss of consciousness or a serious head injury

These symptoms can indicate a potentially serious condition that requires emergency medical care.

Don’t Ignore Dental Pain

Even if dental pain temporarily improves, the underlying problem may still be present. Tooth decay, infection, cracks, and other dental conditions can worsen without treatment.

Seeking professional care early can help prevent a relatively simple dental problem from becoming more complicated.

Be Prepared for a Dental Emergency

Knowing what to do when a dental emergency occurs can help you respond quickly and protect your oral health. If you experience a dental injury, severe pain, swelling, or another urgent dental concern, contact Scarborough Village Dental Care as soon as possible so we can help determine the appropriate next step.