Dental emergency? Here's what to do

Sports, falls and accidents all can result in the partial or complete loss of a tooth. Even if you think it's not serious, seek medical help immediately. Because a loose, chipped or lost tooth often comes as a result of an impact, you may have head or neck injuries, too. Here's how to manage until you get help.

Chipped or fractured tooth

Don't eat or drink anything. Collect any tooth fragments, place them in a container, and cover with milk, saline solution or saliva.

Dislodged tooth

Rinse out your mouth and check the tooth's socket for bleeding. If it's bleeding, bite down on gauze, a clean cloth or tissue to apply pressure, which will help stop the bleeding. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root, and place it in milk, saline or saliva for the trip to the dentist. Or put the tooth between your cheek and gum to keep it moist until you get to the dentist. But don't do this if you are shaken up: You could accidentally swallow the tooth, possibly creating far more dangerous problems.

Some experts suggest placing your own tooth back into its socket if it is knocked out, but many can't stomach the task. It's best to see your dentist to make sure the job is done right.