Dental emergencies may include teeth that have been avulsed (knocked out), forced out of their normal position, luxated (loosened) or fractured. In addition your lips, gums or cheeks may also be cut. The majority of oral injuries can often be painful and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.

Getting to a dentist with 30 minutes can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth. You should immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment and most importantly always handle the tooth by the crown, not the root (the part of the tooth below the gum) because you could damage cells that are vital for bone re-attachment.

Other injuries inside the mouth include tears, puncture wounds and lacerations to the cheek, lips or tongue. You should clean the wound right away with warm water, and transport the injured person to a hospital emergency room for care. Tongue bleeding can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward and applying pressure to the wound with gauze.