Instructions for Common Emergencies:
If you’re ever in doubt, call our office about a possible dental emergency situation at (714) 544-2020. If you’re out of town and need immediate care, contact a local licensed dentist.
- Knocked-out permanent or adult tooth – Immediately contact us! Rinse your mouth with water and use a cold compress or cloth on your cheek. Keep the tooth moist at all times by placing it back in the socket without touching the root, between your cheek and gums, in milk, or in a tooth preservation product such as Save-A-Tooth. Come in to our office right away.
- Toothaches – Toothaches can be caused by a lot of things and it is important to call our office. It’s critical that the problem is diagnosed and treated correctly. In the meantime, taking Tylenol or Advil can help ease your pain. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissue.
- Bitten tongue or lip – Clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.
- Cracked tooth – Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water to clean the area. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.
- Objects stuck in the mouth – Try to gently remove with floss. Don’t try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.
If you’re having a dental emergency, visit an emergency room or our office as soon as possible.
To avoid injury to teeth:
- Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities. For more information, see Dental Products.
- Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
- Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.