7 Tips for Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are a very serious matter. No matter the cause—a broken tooth, abscess, lost filling, or just a toothache—you should reach out to your dentist in Michigan for help. Dental emergencies can lead to more serious issues or the loss of a tooth. There are a few things you can do to safeguard the state of your oral health in the event of a dental emergency until you can reach an emergency dentist. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the problem or dismiss addressing the issue, even if the pain subsides.

Use these tips to know what to do when a dental emergency occurs.

1. React quickly, but carefully. If a tooth or pieces of a tooth or dental appliance are dislodged or lost, be careful to gather up all the missing pieces before heading to the dentist or emergency room. In some cases, your dentist may be able to restore the lost tooth.
2. If your tooth gets knocked out, locate the tooth and handle it by the crown only. Rinse with water, but do not scrub or wash away any remaining tissue on the tooth. Place the tooth in warm water with a pinch of salt or in a cup of milk. If possible, put the tooth back in the socket of the mouth and hold in place. If you can reach your dentist in a timely manner (within an hour of loss), the tooth may be able to be restored.
3. For a broken tooth, cleanse your mouth by rinsing with warm water and apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling. Gather any pieces of the tooth you may find. See your dentist in Michigan immediately.
4. A bitten lip or tongue should be treated with pressure from a cloth and a cold compress to reduce swelling. If heavy bleeding occurs, visit the emergency room as soon as possible.
5. If you are suffering from toothache pain, carefully rinse your mouth with warm water. Using floss, gently remove any food or debris that may be trapped and causing you additional pain. Avoid applying aspirin to the tooth or gum tissues. Call your dentist to describe the details of your discomfort as soon as possible.
6. Broken or fractured jaws should be addressed immediately with a visit to the dentist’s office or hospital emergency room. Apply a cold compress en route to reduce swelling.
7. Loose or broken wires from braces can cause irritation and damage to the surrounding tissue. Apply orthodontic wax or gauze to the broken wire, covering sharp or jagged ends. If a wire gets stuck in the cheek, tongue, or gum tissue, don’t try to pull it out yourself—seek immediate treatment from your dentist.

If a dental emergency occurs, don’t skip a visit to the dentist, even when you are afraid you can’t afford it.  There are affordable dentists who will care for your emergency and offer payment options to meet your financial needs. Failing to seek treatment can result in the need for more extensive and costly dental care in the near future.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Michigan, call Gentle Dental of Michigan today at or make an appointment.

Gentle Dental of Michigan offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Michigan. With 4 affiliated practices throughout Michigan, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Gentle Dental of Michigan, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Gentle Dental of Michigan.