June 12, 2026 Summer Dental Emergencies: What to Do and When to Call a Dentist
As Much Fun Summer Can Be, It Is Also a Time When the Unexpected Happens
Summer Dental Emergencies Can Happen When You Least Expect Them
Dental emergencies can affect your eating habits, make talking uncomfortable, and quickly interrupt your summer plans. Because summer is filled with outdoor activities, sports, vacations, and family fun, it is also one of the most common times of year for dental injuries, especially among children.
Knowing how to respond to a dental emergency can help reduce further damage and improve the chances of a successful outcome. At Brown Family Dentistry, we’re here to provide guidance and care when you need it most.
Common Summer Dental Emergencies and What to Do
Some of the most common dental emergencies during the summer include knocked-out or chipped teeth, lost fillings or crowns, toothaches, and injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue. Taking the right steps immediately after an injury can help protect your smile until you can see a dentist.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth can happen during sports, falls, swimming pool accidents, hiking, or even from biting into something unexpectedly hard.
If this happens:
1. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area.
2. Handle the tooth only by the crown, avoiding the root whenever possible.
3. If possible, gently place the tooth back into its socket. If not, store it in a container of milk or wrap it in a damp paper towel to help preserve it.
4. Contact your dentist immediately. Acting quickly greatly improves the chances of saving the tooth.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Broken or chipped teeth are another common summer injury.
If a tooth chips or breaks:
1. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
2. Save any broken pieces if you can.
3. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and use over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
4. Schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible.
Lost Filling or Crown
Sticky foods and unexpected bites can sometimes loosen or remove a filling or crown.
If this occurs:
1. If you still have the crown, gently clean it and, if possible, temporarily secure it with dental cement available at most pharmacies.
2. Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth.
3. Schedule a dental appointment promptly so the restoration can be replaced properly.
Toothache
Tooth pain can develop for many reasons, including infection or food trapped between your teeth.
To help relieve discomfort:
1. Rinse with warm saltwater.
2. Brush and floss thoroughly.
3. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
4. Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
5. If the pain lasts longer than a day or becomes severe, contact your dentist.
Oral Tissue Injuries
Cuts or injuries to your gums, lips, or tongue are common after falls or accidental bites.
If you experience a soft tissue injury:
1. Rinse with warm saltwater.
2. Apply gentle pressure using clean gauze or a clean cloth if bleeding is present.
3. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
4. If bleeding continues for more than 10 minutes, contact your dentist immediately.
Be Prepared for a Healthy Summer
A dental emergency doesn’t have to ruin your summer. Knowing what to do and seeking prompt treatment can make all the difference in protecting your oral health.
Contact Brown Family Dentistry today to schedule a checkup before your summer vacation or to receive prompt care if you’re experiencing a dental emergency.