What do you do when a dental problem hits you from out of the blue while you’re out of town? Here are some basic facts.

You're miles from home – and your local DentalWorks – when you break a tooth or experience a sudden pain. How do you prepare for the unexpected? Packing aspirin or a substitute, gauze, cotton, floss and paraffin (wax) can help. Below are some more tips on what to do when confronted by a dental emergency. Bear in mind that these are only temporary measures; you must seek proper medical treatment as quickly as possible. If you can't find a dentist on your own, ask the personnel at the hospital emergency room or call a local or state dental society. If you're traveling abroad, contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate, or ask the staff at your hotel.

• Toothache
• Broken Tooth
• Knocked-Out Tooth
• Object Wedged Between Teeth
• Lost Filling
• Lost Crown, Bridge Or Veneer
• Lost Denture Or Partial
• Bitten Tongue Or Lip
• Possible Fractured Jaw
• More Information

Toothache

Rinse your mouth well with warm water and gently floss between the teeth to remove any trapped food. Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek if there is swelling and take a pain reliever. Never place an aspirin directly on the tooth or gum.

Broken Tooth

Rinse your mouth out with warm water, apply cold compresses to the cheek and get to a dentist as soon as possible.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Rinse the tooth lightly in running water, but don't scrub it; touch it as little as possible. Put the tooth back in the socket and hold it firmly in place. If you can't reinsert the tooth, keep it in a glass of milk or a special tooth-preserving solution available at a nearby drug store. To improve the chances of the tooth being saved, try to get to a dentist within 30 minutes.

Object Wedged Between Teeth

Gently remove the object with floss and avoid cutting the gums. Do not use a sharp instrument.

Lost Filling

Cover the cavity with paraffin; take aspirin as needed.

Bitten Tongue Or Lip

Put direct pressure on the bleeding area with a clean cloth and apply a cold compress to minimize swelling. If the bleeding doesn't stop, go to a nearby hospital.

Possible Fractured Jaw

Use a handkerchief, necktie or towel tied around the head to immobilize the jaw. Get to a hospital emergency room as quickly as possible.

More Information

For more helpful hints on handling dental emergencies, visit these sites:

• Academy of General Dentistry
• American Dental Association
• National Library of Medicine