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.
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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:
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