Dental clinic shares what to do in dental emergencies Published Nov. 10, 2007 36th Medical Group ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Even when cautious, events can occur that are beyond one's control. Thousands of dental emergencies -- from injuries to a painful abscessed tooth -- take place every day. Knowing what to do can lessen the pain and might even save a tooth. Here are a few tips to help ease the situation. A dentist's office and after-hours emergency phone number should be handy, along with other emergency phone numbers, such as the family doctor and fire and police departments. The number to the Andersen Dental Clinic is 366-9355, and the after-duty hours phone number is 688-1614. Always call the dentist immediately for instructions on how to handle a dental emergency. Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to remove any food or other debris that may be caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums, near the aching tooth. This could burn the gum tissue. If the toothache persists, try to see the dentist. Don't rely on painkillers. They may temporarily relieve pain but the condition, whether it is an infection, cracked tooth or other problem, should be evaluated by your dentist. Knocked-out tooth: Try to find the tooth. This may not be so easy, especially if the injury took place on a playground, basketball court or while riding a bike. Rinse the tooth with water if the tooth is dirty holding it by the crown. Don't scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If it's possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk (or tooth saving solution) and bring it to the dentist. Time is critical for successful reimplantation. Andersen schools, youth and teen centers, and the base gym have tooth saving solution. If an accident occurs at any of these locations, please ask for the solution. It can make a big difference when it comes to saving a knocked out tooth. Broken tooth: Rinse mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses on the outside of the cheek to help reduce the swelling. Tongue or lip bites or wounds: Clean the area with a clean cloth and apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding cannot be controlled, go to a hospital emergency room or clinic. Bleeding may also be reduced from the tongue by pulling it forward and using gauze to put pressure on the wound. Objects caught between teeth: Try to gently remove the object with dental floss. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between teeth. If the object cannot be dislodged with floss, contact a dentist. Possible broken jaw: Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Get to the hospital emergency room immediately. (Courtesy of the American Dental Association)