Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, the young and old, including those who faithfully visit their dentists twice a year for teeth cleaning.  So what should you do if you are faced with a serious dental problem? 

These situations vary, but here are two common dental emergencies and how you should handle them if they happen to you:

A Cracked Tooth

This is one of the most common predicaments you may find yourself in.  If you’ve fallen and cracked a tooth or injured it by some other means, you should pour warm water into a glass and rinse your mouth with the water immediately.

In addition, if your mouth is beginning to swell as a result of the injury, place a cold compress on the area.  Then call your dentist for an emergency appointment.

A Knocked Out Tooth

This is another situation that many people face.  If you knocked one of your teeth out, locate the tooth and rinse it with warm water to clean it if it’s dirty.   Do not use soap or any chemicals on the tooth.  Warm water is all that is needed.

Do not allow the tooth to dry out.  It must remain moist. Therefore, if possible, reposition the tooth in the socket and hold it there by biting down on it or pressing down on it with your fingers. If you are unable to do that, place the tooth in a tooth preservation kit, if you own one, or in some milk.  Do not place it in water.

Get to a dentist immediately for an emergency appointment.  The tooth can be saved if you get into a dentist within the hour.

These two dental emergencies happen to adults and children.  However with proper attention by a qualified professional, there can be a solution to these problems.