Simple toothaches can often be relieved by rinsing the mouth to clear it of debris and other matter. Sometimes, a toothache can be caused or aggravated by a piece of leftover food lodged between teeth. Flossing can help, but please void faulty remedies, like placing an aspirin between your tooth and gum to relieve pain, because the dissolving aspirin can actually harm your gum tissue.

Broken, Fractured, or Displaced Tooth

Broken, Fractured, or Displaced Tooth

A broken, fractured, or displaced tooth is usually not a cause for alarm as long as decisive, quick action is taken.

If the tooth has been knocked out, try to place it back in its socket while waiting to see your dentist.

First, rinse the mouth of any blood or other debris and place a cold cloth or compress on the cheek near the injury. This will keep down swelling.

If you cannot locate the tooth back in its socket, hold the dislocated tooth by the crown - not the root. Next, place it in a container of warm milk, a saline solution, or the patient's own saliva and keep it in the solution until you arrive at the emergency room or dentist's office.