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Emergency

In case of a dental injury:


Emergency What To Do
Toothache
  • Rinse out mouth with warm water
  • Use dental floss to remove any food trapped between teeth
  • For swelling, place cold compresses on the outside of the cheek.
  • Do not use heat or place aspirin on an aching tooth or gum tissue
  • See a dental professional as soon as possible
Object Wedged Between Teeth
  • Try to remove object with dental floss. Guide the floss carefully to avoid cutting gums
  • If you can’t remove the object, see a dental professional as soon as possible
  • Do not try to remove the object with a sharp or pointed instrument
Knocked-Out Tooth
  • Bring the person and the tooth to a dental professional immediately
  • Place the tooth in a container of milk, salt water or the person’s own saliva. If these are not available, then use plain water
  • If you are unable to get to a dental professional immediately:
  • Gently rinse the tooth in warm water. Do not touch the root
  • For a Permanent Tooth: Carefully insert the tooth back into place
  • For a Baby Tooth: Do not try to pack a baby tooth back in the socket.
  • Place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dentist
  • See a dental professional as soon as possible
Broken Tooth
  • Gently clean dirt or debris from the injured area with warm water
  • Place cold compresses on the face, in the area of the injured tooth, to reduce swelling
  • Apply direct pressure to any bleeding areas with a clean cloth
  • Go to a dental professional immediately
Bitten Lip or Tongue
  • Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth
  • If there is swelling, apply cold compresses
  • If bleeding continues and can’t be stopped, go to the hospital emergency room


Dental care for people enrolled in Minnesota Health Care Programs.
A community access dental clinic opperated by Mississippi Headwaters Area Dental Health Center,
a Nonprofit Organization.