Sometimes getting to a dentist is impossible. An emergency may occur, but a professional isn’t always on call. For the following situations, the American Dental Association lists temporary remedies until you can get to the dentist.

Bitten lip or tongue
Clean the area gently with a cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to a hospital emergency room.

Broken tooth
Rinse out your mouth with warm water. Use cold compresses on the area to keep any swelling down. Call your dentist immediately.

Broken jaw
Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately.

Tooth loss
Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse off the root of the tooth in water if it's dirty. Do not scrub the tooth or remove attached tissue fragments. Gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket if you can. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk until you can visit the dentist.

Objects caught between teeth
Try to gently remove the object with dental floss; avoid cutting the gums. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth. If you can't dislodge the object using dental floss, contact your.

Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water. Gently use floss to knock out any food or other objects stuck between the teeth. If the pain persists, contact your dentist. Of course, routine maintenance is important. Don’t wait to visit your dentist.

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