Below are some tips on how to handle common oral discomforts and injuries, and when emergency dental care or services are needed:

• Toothache: See your dentist as soon as you feel discomfort or pain.
• Broken, chipped or cracked tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to your cheek- over the affected region. Proceed to your dentist right away. If the tooth was broken or chipped, bring the tooth fragment wrapped in a piece of wet gauze or a wet cloth/towel.
• Dislodged or knocked-out tooth: If your tooth becomes loose due to accident/trauma, call your dentist. For a knocked out tooth, gently insert the lost tooth back in its socket if possible, holding the tooth by the crown using a clean washcloth. If the tooth is dirty, first rinse the root, but make sure not to scrub it or remove any attached tissues. If reinsertion into its original place is not possible, hold the tooth under the tongue and go to the dentist immediately.
• Broken Jaw: Apply ice or a cold compress to the face (over the affected region), and proceed to your emergency dentist immediately.
• Bitten Tongue or Lip: Clean the area with a wet cloth and place a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling. If the bleeding continues or if it is excessive, go to your dentist or an emergency center.