Dental emergencies are never fun, but when they happen mid-flight, poolside, or halfway through a mountain hike? That’s next-level panic. 

Whether you’re on a weekend getaway or an overseas adventure, unexpected tooth trouble can throw everything off. That’s why our experts at Asheville Dental are sharing smart, practical tips to help you handle dental emergencies away from home. 

Not every dental issue is an emergency, but if you’re dealing with bleeding that won’t stop, severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication, or broken facial bones, it’s time to seek emergency dental care right away.

Understanding Dental Emergencies 

Not every dental issue is an emergency, but if you’re dealing with bleeding that won’t stop, severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication, or broken facial bones, it’s time to seek emergency dental care right away. Examples of dental emergencies include: 

• Severe toothache 
• Badly cracked tooth 
• Knocked-out tooth
• Extruded (partially dislodged) tooth
• Dental abscess (swelling of your face and jaw) 
• Lost or broken dental restoration 
• Severe soft tissue injury (like a busted lip or deep cut) 

Certain injuries to your teeth or gums can quickly worsen if left untreated, so it’s important to know when and how fast to act. 

Steps for Managing Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be scary, especially if you’re unsure of what to do. The first step is to call your dentist immediately. Many offices have an after-hours line. If you don’t have a dentist, head to your nearest urgent care or emergency room. 

In the meantime, here’s how to handle common oral emergencies until you get professional help: 

Severe Toothache

• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area. 
• Gently floss to remove anything stuck between your teeth.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease discomfort. 

Badly Cracked Tooth

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
• If there’s bleeding, apply a gauze and hold it in place for about 10 minutes.
• Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. 
• Avoid putting pressure on or chewing with the affected tooth. 

Knocked-out Tooth 

• Retrieve the tooth, hold it by the crown (the top part). Only rinse with water if it’s visibly dirty.
• If possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket. You can also try storing the tooth in your cheek like you might hold sunflower seeds. 
• If reinstating the tooth isn’t possible, store it in milk until you can get to your dentist. 

Extruded (partially dislodged) Tooth 

• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen, as needed.
• See your dentist as soon as possible. 

Dental Abscess 

• Rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution several times a day.
• Call your dentist immediately.
• If you don’t have access to your dentist and the swelling is affecting your breathing or vision, head to the ER immediately. 

Lost or Broken Dental Restoration 

• Cover the cavity using a piece of sugarless gum or over-the-counter dental cement. 
• NEVER use super glue. 
• Schedule a dental visit promptly. 

Severe Soft Tissue Injury 

• Rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution to keep the area clean. 
• Apply pressure with gauze or a damp tea bag for 15-20 minutes to stop the bleeding. 
• Hold a cold compress to the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce swelling. 

Although these tips help manage the pain and protect your smile, they’re not a replacement for professional care. When in doubt, get help right away! 

For the Life of Your Smile 

Your oral health is our utmost priority. Our office provides extensive dentistry services for children, mature adults, and every age in between. 

If you are an existing patient and are having a dental emergency, you may contact us at (828) 277-5024. We want to ensure you receive prompt and compassionate care.