Summer Survival - First Aid for Dental Emergencies

Posted on 10/15/2025 by Life Long Dental

Dentist using a dental tool on a tooth model to explain a tooth issue to a concerned patient during an emergency consultation.

Summertime is finally here! It's the perfect time to enjoy swimming, barbecues, and other outdoor activities. However, along with all the fun, summer also brings an increased risk of dental emergencies.

But don't worry, with a little knowledge and preparation, you can handle most dental emergencies until you can see your dentist.

Common Summertime Dental Emergencies

The most common summer dental emergencies include:

•	Knocked-out tooth: This is a serious emergency, but with quick action, the tooth may be saved.
•	Toothache: Toothaches can be caused by many things, including cavities, infections, and cracked teeth.
•	Broken tooth: This can happen if you fall or get hit in the mouth.
•	Lost filling: This can expose the sensitive inner part of your tooth and lead to pain.

First Aid for Dental Emergencies

Here are some first aid tips for common summer dental emergencies:

Knocked-out tooth:

1~	Find the tooth.
2~	Rinse it gently with water, but avoid scrubbing the root surface.
3~	If possible, put the tooth back in its socket, making sure it’s facing the right way.
4~	If you can't reinsert the tooth, place it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist.
5~	Get to the dentist as soon as possible.

Toothache:

1~	Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
2~	Apply a cold compress to the affected area.
3~	If you have pain medication at home, you can take it as directed on the label.
4~	See your dentist as soon as possible.

Broken tooth:

1~	Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
2~	Apply a cold compress to the affected area.
3~	Save any pieces of the broken tooth and bring them with you to the dentist.
4~	See your dentist as soon as possible.

Lost filling:

1~	Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
2~	Apply a temporary filling material, such as dental wax or sugar-free gum, to protect the exposed tooth.
3~	See your dentist as soon as possible.

Summertime Dental Care Tips

Here are some things you can do to help prevent dental emergencies during the summer:

•	Wear a mouthguard: If you participate in any sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.
•	Avoid hard foods: Avoid biting into hard foods like ice or candy, which can break your teeth.
•	Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your mouth moist. This helps to prevent tooth decay and other problems.
•	See your dentist for regular checkups: Regular dental checkups can help to catch and prevent problems before they become emergencies.

These simple steps can help you stay safe and healthy all summer long.

Remember, if you have any concerns about your oral health, don't hesitate to reach out to your dentist.

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3100 NW Bucklin Hill Rd, Suite 209, Silverdale, WA 98383

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(360) 692-8863

Email

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Tuesday-Friday: 7:30am–4:30pm

Address

3100 NW Bucklin Hill Rd, Suite 209, Silverdale, WA 98383

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Dental Blog - Silverdale, WA • Life Long Dental
Dr. Gillespie has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Did you like a topic? Please contact us today! Life Long Dental is your dentist in Silverdale, WA.
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