How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies Until You Reach Our Office

Nearly everyone experiences a dental emergency at some point, as about 10% of all dental encounters result because of an oral health emergency. Knowing what to do during such emergencies is vital to maintaining outstanding dental health and minimizing long-term oral health care costs.

See Dr. David Gleaner at his family dentistry practice in Bayonne, New Jersey, for a same-day emergency dentistry visit when time is of the essence.

Signs of a dental emergency

Signs of a dental emergency include:

• Loose permanent tooth
• Knocked-out tooth
• Tooth discoloration
• Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
• Extreme tooth sensitivity
• Missing, broken, or loose dental restoration (filling, crown, bridge, etc.)
• Toothache
• Gum swelling or pain
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Abscess 
• Object stuck in your teeth or mouth

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as a dental emergency, contact Dr. Gleaner’s office and speak with a friendly provider who will happily address your concerns.

Common dental emergencies and how to manage them

The first thing to do when encountering a dental emergency is to contact Dr. Gleaner. Until you arrive at his office, however, handle specific emergencies in the following manner:

Severe toothache

If you develop a severe toothache, rinse your mouth with warm, not hot, water. Remove any food caught between your teeth using floss, apply a cold compress to the painful area, take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort, and see Dr. Gleaner as soon as possible. 

Knocked-out tooth

If you or your child knocks out a permanent tooth, hold the tooth by its crown (never the root). Keep it moist at all times. Gently return the tooth to its socket. If that’s uncomfortable, you can simply put between your gums and cheek. You can also place the tooth in milk, water containing a pinch of salt, or a tooth preservation product, such as Save-a-Tooth® (you can add this to a first aid kit).

Head to Dr. Gleaner’s office immediately — within one hour is ideal.

Cracked or broken tooth

About 80% of people over 40 experience a cracked tooth. Cracked and broken teeth are common dental emergencies that require immediate attention. 

Save any pieces of a broken tooth. Rinse the individual tooth pieces as well as your mouth with warm water. Use gauze to stop any bleeding, and apply a cold compress to the affected area, which will reduce swelling and pain until you arrive at Dr. Gleaner’s office.

Partially dislodged tooth

To diminish pain stemming from a partially dislodged tooth, apply a cold compress to your face near the affected area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if necessary, and see Dr. Gleaner right away.

Broken jaw

If you suspect you have a broken jaw because of bruising, pain, swelling, or bleeding from your nose or mouth, see Dr. Gleaner immediately or go to a nearby ER. In the meantime, apply a cold compress to the affected area to minimize swelling and discomfort. 

Object stuck in teeth

See Dr. Gleaner if you’re unable to gently remove an object stuck in your teeth using dental floss. Avoid attempting to remove something from your mouth using pointed or sharp objects.

Soft tissue injury

Soft tissue injuries, inducing damage to your lips, tongue, gums, or cheeks, often cause bleeding. If this happens, gently clean the area, rinse your mouth with salt water, use moistened gauze to place pressure on any bleeding, and apply a cold compress to the area. See Dr. Gleaner, or go to a nearby ER. 

Broken or lost restoration

Dental restorations (fillings, crowns, bridges, etc.) sometimes fall off or become damaged or dislodged. If you have a missing or broken filling, place a piece of sugarless gum in the affected area. See Dr. Gleaner as soon as possible and bring any broken restorations with you.

Dental abscess

If you develop an abscess, or pimple-like swelling in your gums caused by an infection, rinse your mouth with salt water several times daily and see Dr. Gleaner as soon as possible. 

Ways to reduce the risk of dental emergencies

We can’t always avoid dental emergencies, but reducing the risk of experiencing them involves the following:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports or at night to reduce damage caused by clenching and grinding
• Refrain from chewing on popcorn kernels, ice, hard candy, pens, or other hard objects
• Avoid opening packages with your teeth
• Schedule appointments with Dr. Gleaner biannually for dental exams and cleanings

If you or a loved one encounters a dental emergency, stay calm and contact us today by phone or online. You’re also welcome to simply walk in.