Being prepared for a dental emergency is no accident. Knowing what to do can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.  It takes only a few minutes to learn the basics. Here are some tips...

Hold the tooth by the crown, and rinse off the root of the tooth if it's dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If it's possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If that isn't possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk or water and get to the dentist as quickly as possible. Don't forget to take the tooth with you!

Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean. Put cold compresses on your face to reduce swelling. Go to the dentist immediately.

Clean the area gently with a cloth, and apply cold compresses to keep swelling down. If bleeding doesn't stop, go to a hospital emergency room.

Gently try to remove the object with dental floss. If you're not successful, go to the dentist. Do not try to remove the object with a sharp or pointed instrument.

Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Use dental floss to remove any food that may be trapped between the teeth. Do not put asprin on the aching tooth or gum tissues. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Do not move the jaw. Secure the jaw in place by tying a handkerchief, necktie, or towel around the jaw and over the top of the head. If there is swelling, apply cold compresses. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency room immediately.