Here’s a guide to managing common oral discomforts and injuries and knowing when to seek emergency dental care:

Toothache: If you feel pain or discomfort, see your emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling. Visit your dentist immediately and, if possible, bring any tooth fragments wrapped in wet gauze or a damp towel.

Loosened or Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth becomes loose from trauma, call your dentist right away. For a knocked-out tooth, try to gently place it back in its socket, holding it by the crown. If the tooth is dirty, rinse the root without scrubbing or removing any attached tissue. If reinsertion isn’t possible,hold the tooth under your tongue and head to the dentist immediately.

Broken Jaw: Apply a cold compress to your face to minimize swelling and seek immediate care from your dentist or an emergency center.

Bitten Tongue or Lip: Clean the area with a damp cloth and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If bleeding is excessive or doesn’t stop, visit your dentist or an emergency center right away.