Alphabetic Guide to Medical Emergencies - Tooth, broken

Emergency Treatment

If a tooth is broken, the mouth should be rinsed with warm water, and cold compresses should be applied to the area to keep the swelling down. Get to a dentist as soon as possible.

If the tooth has been knocked out of its socket, time is critical. It is important to retrieve it and get to a dentist as soon as possible—within 30 minutes is best—because it may be possible to save the tooth. Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse off the root if it is dirty, but do not scrub or otherwise clean the root. If possible, place the tooth gently back in its socket; otherwise, put it in milk or water and take it to the dentist immediately.