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Even the best cared for teeth occasionally need a little help. No matter the need or emergency, Swish has you fully covered.

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Some of the most common dental emergencies we see are: toothaches, debris wedged between teeth, cracked teeth, teeth knocked out, and lacerations (cuts) to the gums, tongue or lips; these are just a few of the things that can happen when you least expect it. Our expert Dentists are here to help you with your dental emergency.

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Here is some helpful tips to manage some of the discomfort before we are able to see you:

1. Toothaches:​

   1. Rinse your mouth with warm water.

   2. Use dental floss to remove any food particles or plaque wedged between your teeth.

   3. Consider taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to dull the ache, but don't place aspirin or another painkiller directly against your gums because it may burn your gum tissue.

   4. If the toothache is caused by trauma to the tooth, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.

2. Tooth and gum pain in teens:​

   1. To reduce pain and facial swelling, put an ice or cold pack on the outside of your cheek for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. Do not use heat.

   2. If your dentist or doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

   3. Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

   4. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks if they increase your pain.

   5. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water every 2 hours to help relieve pain and swelling. Mix 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of salt in 1 cup (250 mL) of water.

   6. Talk to us about using special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. To reduce pain on contact with heat or cold or when brushing, brush with this toothpaste regularly or rub a small amount of the paste on the sensitive area with a clean finger 2 or 3 times a day. Floss gently between your teeth.

   7. Do not smoke or use spit tobacco. Tobacco use can make gum problems worse, decreases your ability to fight infection in your gums, and delays healing. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.

3. Cracked or chipped tooth:​

   1. If your tooth pulp is exposed, you can protect it by putting temporary filling material over the broken area. You can buy temporary filling mixes in drugstores. Follow the directions on the label.

   2. To relieve pain and swelling, put ice or a cold cloth on the tooth's gum or cheek area, or suck on a piece of ice. But if the tooth's nerve or pulp is exposed, avoid putting anything too hot or cold near the tooth until you see your dentist.

4. Cut inside your mouth:​

   1. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water right after meals. Saltwater rinses may help healing. To make a saltwater solution for rinsing the mouth, mix 1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water.

   2. Eat soft foods that are easy to swallow.

   3. Avoid foods that might sting. These include salty or spicy foods, citrus fruits or juices, and tomatoes. 

   4. Try using a topical medicine, such as Orabase, to reduce mouth pain. If your child is under 2 years of age, ask your doctor if your child can use this medicine.​