A toothache that will not quit

Rinse with warm salt water. Floss gently around the tooth; a trapped popcorn husk or seed causes more weekend toothaches than you would think. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the package. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek helps with swelling.

Do not put aspirin on the gum. It burns the tissue and does nothing for the tooth. Do not apply heat, which can make swelling worse.

A lost filling or crown

Find the crown if you can and keep it. Rinse your mouth. Avoid chewing on that side. If the tooth is sharp or sensitive, a small piece of sugar-free gum or temporary dental cement from the pharmacy can cover it. We can often re-cement a crown the same day you come in.

A chipped or broken tooth

Save any pieces. Rinse with warm water. If the edge is sharp, cover it with wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek. If it is bleeding, hold gauze on it with light pressure for ten minutes. Most chips are repaired with bonding in one visit.

A knocked-out tooth

This is the one true race against the clock. Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with milk or saline, do not scrub it. If you can, place it back in the socket and hold it there. If not, keep it in milk or tucked inside your cheek. Call us immediately. Re-implantation works best within an hour.

When to go to the ER instead

Swelling that is spreading toward your eye or down your neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, a fever with facial swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding after an injury. These can become serious quickly. Go to the emergency room, then call us for follow-up once you are stable.