Dental emergency? What to do in the first hour
A knocked-out tooth, a cracked molar or a throbbing ache: what helps and what does not.
If a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown, rinse it gently without scrubbing and place it back in the socket if you can. Otherwise keep it in milk and call us immediately. Teeth reimplanted within an hour have the best chance of survival.
For a toothache
Rinse with warm salt water, use floss to remove any trapped food and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Do not place aspirin against the gum.
When to go to the ER
Swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, or a blow to the head, needs emergency care first.
The next good read
How often do you really need a cleaning?
Every six months is a good default, but some mouths need more and a few need less.
In-office whitening or take-home trays?
Both work. Here is how to choose, and what to expect with sensitivity.
Your child's first dental visit: what to expect
Aim for the first birthday, or when the first tooth appears. Here is how to make it easy.
The conversation 0
A different perspective, a useful question, a thought worth sharing. Add yours.
Sign in to share yours and join the conversation.
Be the first to add a perspective to this story.