Below is a list of common emergencies that may arise when a dentist or hospital is not immediately available, and what can be done until the problem can be professionally treated. It is important to emphasize that these are only immediate, temporary measures, and are in no way a substitute for professional care provided in a timely manner.

1. Tooth knocked out of mouth: Trauma to the mouth often results in “avulsion” of one or more teeth. If the tooth is clean, if possible, it should be carefully placed back into its socket until you can get to a dentist. If the tooth is contaminated, or if it cannot be replaced (as is often the case with small children), then it should be placed in milk (or even water if necessary). The patient should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible, because the longer the tooth is left out of the mouth, the less of a chance it has to be saved.

2. Toothache: If one experiences a toothache in a tooth with a cavity exhibiting symptoms of cold and heat sensitivity, this usually indicates that the nerve in the tooth is dying. Sometimes, temporary relief can be obtained by placing a temporary filling in the hole in the tooth that has the ingredient Eugenol in it. This product is available in most drug stores. Never place an aspirin against the gum around the tooth as this only produces an acid-burn that only distracts from the toothache.

If the pain is accompanied by swelling, however, this indicates an infection, and a temporary filling may only make it worse. In such a case, it is best to go to a hospital if you cannot reach a dentist, especially if the swelling is obvious outside of the mouth.

3. Broken Tooth: In many cases, a small or large piece may break off of a tooth. If there is no pain presently, then that typically means that the crack did not occur through the nerve.

If a front tooth breaks off at the gumline, however, usually you will be able to see the exposed nerve, which looks like a pinkish dot in the center of the remaining tooth root. If you cannot get to a dentist right away, or on your way to the dentist, some soft wax (obtainable at most drug stores) may be placed gently over the cracked tooth root. This usually protects the sensitive exposed nerve from the cold air.

4. Cold sores or denture sores: Temporary relief for these problems can usually be obtained by the use of an over-the-counter product containing the active ingredient Benzocaine.

5. Swelling of the gums: Most swelling is caused by underlying infection. Rinsing with hot salt water can give some temporary relief by helping to draw out some of the fluid which is creating the pressure.

6. Bleeding in the mouth: If an area of the mouth is bleeding persistently, there are two remedies which may used alone or in combination: Application of pressure, usually using some cotton gauze or a clean rag if no gauze is available, and; Application of cold to the affected area. It is also important to remember that a small amount of blood, when mixed with saliva can appear to be a large amount of blood. Do not take aspirin, as it can also worsen bleeding due to its blood-thinning properties.