Helpful Tips for Common Dental Emergencies Toothaches:   Rinse the tooth with warm water to clean it out.  Use dental floss to remove any food that might be trapped between the teeth.  (Do not place asprin on the aching tooth or gum tissue)  See your dentist as soon as possible. Knocked out Permanent Tooth:  Find the tooth.  Handle the tooth by the top (crown) portion, not the roots.  If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently in running water.  Do NOT scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments.  Gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket.  If this is not possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk, or when milk is not available, a cup of cool water.  Go immediately to your dentist! (within 30 minutes if possible)  Dont forget to bring the tooth!  Broken Tooth:  Gently clean dirt from the injured area with warm water.  Place cold compress on the face, in the area of the injured tooth, to decrease swelling.  Go to the dentist immediately. Bitten Tongue or Lip:  Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth.  If swelling is present, apply a cold compress.  If bleeding does not stop, go to a hospital emergency room. Objects caught between teeth:  Try to remove the object with dental floss.  Guide the floss carefully to avoid cutting the gums.  If you're not successful in removing the object, go to the dentist.  Do not try to remove the object with a sharp or pointed instrument. Possible Broken Jaw:  Do not move the jaw.  Secure the jaw in place by tying a handkerchief or towel around the jaw and over the top of the head.  If swelling is present, apply cold compress.  Go immediately to a hospital emergency room or call your dentist. Bleeding after Baby tooth falls out:  Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area.  Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes.  This may be repeated once. if bleeding persists, call the dentist office immediately. Cold/Canker Sores:  Many children occasionally suffer from "cold" or "canker" sores.  Usually over the counter preparations give relief.  Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, contact the dentist if these sores persist.