First aid steps

If you need to see a health professional for your injury, call to arrange for your care and follow these steps for:

• A tooth that has been completely knocked out. A permanent tooth can sometimes be put back into its socket (reimplanted). The best results occur if a dentist puts the tooth back in the socket within 30 minutes. Chances of successful reimplantation are unlikely after 2 hours.
• Bleeding in the mouth. Return any skin flap to its normal position. If necessary, hold the flap in place with a clean cloth or gauze.
• A tongue or piece of tongue that has been cut off. Wrap the piece of tongue in a clean cloth or sterile gauze, if available. Put the wrapped piece of tongue in a bag of ice to keep it cool. Do not put the tongue directly on the ice. Do not immerse the tongue in ice water. Go to the emergency room right away. Take the bag with you.
• A broken tooth or dental appliance. Find any pieces of tooth or the broken dental appliance and take them with you when you go to see your dentist. Your dentist will want to check for missing pieces of tooth or dental appliance that may have been left in a wound, swallowed, or inhaled into the lungs (aspirated).

To reduce pain and promote healing

• Apply a cold compress to the injured area, or suck on a piece of ice or a Popsicle as often as desired.
• Rinse your wound with warm salt water immediately after meals. Saltwater rinses may promote healing. To make a saltwater solution for rinsing the mouth, mix 1tsp of salt to 1cup of warm water.
• Eat soft foods that are easy to swallow. Soft foods include:
  • Milk and dairy products, such as milk shakes, yogurt, custards, ice cream, sherbets, or cottage cheese.
  • Meat and meat substitutes, such as tender meats or chicken, tuna, eggs, or smooth peanut butter.
  • Fruits and vegetables, such as well-cooked or canned fruits and vegetables; well-ripened, easy-to-chew fruits; and baked, mashed, or well-cooked sweet potatoes.
• Avoid foods that might sting, such as salty or spicy foods, citrus fruits or juices, and tomatoes.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• If a jagged tooth or orthodontic wire or bracket is poking you, roll a piece of melted candle wax or orthodontic wax and press it onto the part that is poking you. Use a pencil eraser to press a broken wire toward your teeth. These are only temporary measures to use until you can see your dentist or orthodontist to fix the problem.
• Try a topical medicine, such as Orabase or Ulcerease, to reduce mouth pain.