Emergency Preparedness Guide

A dental emergency is any urgent dental problem that causes severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or tooth damage. Common examples include:

• Knocked-out tooth
• Cracked, broken, or chipped tooth
• Severe toothache or abscess
• Dental injuries from accidents or sports
• Lost fillings, crowns, or dental restorations
• Uncontrolled bleeding or swelling of the gums

If you are unsure, call our clinic immediately—we’ll guide you on the next steps.

First Aid for Common Dental Emergencies

1. Knocked-Out Tooth 🦷

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root).
• Rinse gently with milk or saline—do not scrub.
• Try to place it back in the socket.
• If not possible, keep it in milk or inside your cheek.
• Call us immediately—time is critical (within 30 minutes is best).

2. Chipped or Broken Tooth

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Save any pieces, if possible.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• See a dentist promptly for repair.

3. Severe Toothache or Abscess

• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief (avoid aspirin on gums).
• Apply a cold compress for swelling.
• Seek urgent dental care—this could signal infection.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

• Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side.
• Use temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies) if needed.
• See your dentist as soon as possible to restore the tooth.

5. Injury to Lips, Tongue, or Gums

• Clean the area gently with water.
• Apply pressure with gauze to stop bleeding.
• Use a cold compress for swelling.
• Seek medical or dental care if bleeding doesn’t stop.

How Families Can Prepare for Dental Emergencies

• ✅ Keep a dental first aid kit at home and in your sports bag (gauze, saline, small container, dental wax, temporary cement).
• ✅ Save your dentist’s emergency contact number in your phone.
• ✅ Encourage children to wear custom sports mouthguards during contact sports.
• ✅ Learn basic first aid steps for common dental injuries.
• ✅ Keep pain relief and antiseptic mouthwash on hand.

Why Emergency Preparedness Matters

Quick action during a dental emergency can:

• Save a knocked-out tooth
• Prevent infection
• Reduce pain and swelling
• Avoid costly long-term treatment

At Serene Family Dental, we offer same-day emergency appointments to help families get fast relief and professional care when they need it most.