Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be scary for everyone.  If an accident happens, knowing what to do can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

Here are some tips for common dental emergencies:

  • For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then, get to your dentist’s office right away.
  • For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down.
  • If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.
  • For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues. Take Tylenol or ibuprofen as needed to reduce the pain.
  • For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.

When you have a dental emergency, it’s important to visit your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible.

Here are some simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:  

  • Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.
  • Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
  • Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

If you are having swelling that restricts your breathing or swallowing please call 911 or go immediately to your local emergency room.

Most of our offices reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients. Call your dentist and provide as much detail as possible about your condition.  Click here to contact us.

Visit Our Le Mars Dental Office

Dentist LeMars

Le Mars Location

29 Plymouth Street Northeast,
Le Mars, IA 51031

(712) 546-8823

p14279184455297

Our Dental News

Dentist LeMars

Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Disease at Family 1st Dental of LeMars | Dentist LeMars

Did you know that nearly half of the adult population in the United States is affected by moderate to severe periodontal disease? This condition can vary from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, which can lead to significant tissue damage, bone […]

Learn More

The Optimal Oral Health Routine with Family 1st Dental of LeMars | Dentist Near Me

Maintaining optimal oral health requires both professional care and diligent at-home practices. If it has been more than 6 months since your last visit to the dentist in LeMars, professional intervention might be necessary to get back on track. Start […]

Learn More

The Benefits of Adding Flossing to Your Routine with Family 1st Dental of LeMars | Dentist in 51031

You’ve likely heard it time and time again from your dental hygienist or dentist in LeMars: “You need to start flossing. Flossing daily is crucial.” While it might seem repetitive, flossing is essential for maintaining both your oral and overall […]

Learn More