Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make a big difference.

Stay Calm: Panic can make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, and try to remain as calm as possible.

Assess the Situation: Evaluate the severity of the dental emergency. Determine if it’s a true emergency that requires immediate attention or a non-emergency that can wait until the next available appointment.

Manage Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze if there’s any bleeding.

Clean the Area: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

Manage Pain: Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed to reduce pain.

Handle a Knocked-out Tooth (If Any): If a tooth is knocked out, keep it moist by placing it in milk or saline solution.

Contact Your Dentist: If it’s a true dental emergency, immediately contact your dentist.