Young Smiles
Family Dentistry

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and carefully floss around the painful tooth to remove trapped food. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums. Avoid chewing on that side and arrange a dental evaluation as soon as possible.

A dental infection may cause swelling, severe pain, fever, drainage, or a bad taste. Do not squeeze or attempt to drain the area yourself. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if the swelling is rapidly increasing or affects breathing, swallowing, the eye, or the neck.

Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face if swelling is present, and avoid chewing on the affected side.

Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently without scrubbing. Place it back into the socket when possible, or keep it moist in milk or a tooth-preservation solution. Seek urgent dental treatment immediately, as the chance of saving the tooth decreases with time.

Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. Temporary filling material from a pharmacy may help protect the tooth until it can be treated.

Save the crown and bring it to your dental appointment. Keep the tooth clean and avoid sticky or hard foods. Temporary dental cement may be used to protect the tooth, but do not use household glue.

Rinse gently with water and apply firm pressure with clean gauze for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if the bleeding is heavy, uncontrolled, or does not stop.

Gently rinse with warm salt water and keep the area as clean as possible. Avoid placing medication directly on the gums. Seek dental care if pain, swelling, drainage, fever, or difficulty opening the mouth develops.

Stop wearing the appliance if it is sharp, painful, loose, or unstable. Save all pieces. Do not attempt to reshape or repair the appliance yourself.

Use orthodontic wax to cover a poking wire or loose bracket. Avoid pulling, bending, or cutting the appliance unless directed by a dental professional. Stop wearing removable appliances if they are broken or causing injury.