How to Deal With a Dental Emergency

For a knocked-out permanent tooth, a significant dental injury, severe tooth pain or painful swelling, contact a dentist promptly. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, keep it moist and get to a dentist right away, because the first hour matters most. Call 911 or go to an emergency department for difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading quickly in the face or neck, or serious bleeding that won't stop.

Should I call a dentist or go to the emergency department?

Call 911 or go to an emergency department for breathing or swallowing difficulty, rapidly spreading swelling or a serious injury such as a possible broken jaw or head injury. For a painful tooth, a chipped tooth or a broken restoration without these danger signs, contact a dentist for guidance. Our emergency dental care page explains how we handle urgent visits.

What should I do with a knocked-out tooth?

For a permanent tooth, pick it up by the crown, the part normally visible in the mouth, not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it briefly with cold water without scrubbing. If you can, gently push it back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. Don't force it. If it won't go back, keep it moist in milk, in an approved tooth-preservation solution, or inside the cheek of an adult or older child who won't swallow it. Don't store it in plain water or wrap it dry. Then see a dentist immediately. [1, 2]

Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back into its socket. A child still needs prompt dental evaluation after the injury.

What if a tooth cracks or a crown comes out?

Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress on the cheek if there is swelling. Keep any recovered crown or fragment and contact the dentist. Do not use household glue. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth until you receive instructions. Read why a damaged tooth may need a crown for background after the urgent problem is assessed.

What can I do for a toothache while arranging care?

Rinse with warm water and gently remove trapped food with floss if you can do so comfortably. Do not place aspirin against the tooth or gums, because it can burn the tissue. [2] Our tooth-pain guide can help you describe the symptoms, but it does not replace an examination.

How do I reach our Jacksonville office?

Call the office at 904-398-1549. Explain the injury or symptoms, when they began and whether there is swelling. When someone is in pain, we try to see them the same day if we can.

The practice also has an on-call phone and text line, 904-762-5616. It may not be answered right away, so don't rely on it for an immediate response. For breathing or swallowing problems or rapidly spreading swelling, call 911. Please don't send sensitive health information by text.

If you can't reach us and the problem is urgent, see another available dentist or urgent care provider rather than waiting through worsening symptoms. Our office is at 3675 Hendricks Avenue, near San Marco. You can also contact us online for non-urgent questions.

Sources

1. Fouad AF, Abbott PV, Tsilingaridis G, et al. International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 2. Avulsion of permanent teeth. Dent Traumatol. 2020;36(4):331-342. doi:10.1111/edt.12573 (retrieved via PubMed)

2. American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Dental emergencies. Accessed October 6, 2026.

3. American Association of Endodontists. Knocked-out teeth.

4. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. First aid for a knocked-out permanent tooth.

About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.

Causes of a White Tongue and How to Get Rid of It

A white tongue is usually a coating of bacteria, food debris and dead cells trapped between the small bumps on the tongue's surface. Dehydration, mouth breathing, tobacco, alcohol and skipping tongue cleaning make it more likely, and it usually improves with gentle cleaning and more water. [1] A white patch in the tissue itself is different. It may be thrush, oral lichen planus or another change that needs an examination, especially if it persists, hurts or keeps returning.

Is a coating different from a white patch?

A coating can collect on the surface of the tongue. A white patch that remains in one area may need a different evaluation. Do not repeatedly scrape a sore area to test it. Describe the change to your dentist instead.

Can dry mouth contribute?

Persistent dry mouth changes the oral environment and can increase the risk of fungal infection. Tell your dentist about medication changes, mouth breathing and any history of cancer treatment. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.

Could it be thrush or oral lichen planus?

Oral thrush and oral lichen planus can cause white areas, but they need different treatment. A photograph or a description is not enough to choose an antifungal or another medication. Our oral medicine and diagnostic evaluation page explains the role of an examination.

What can I safely do at home?

Drink water through the day. Use a soft toothbrush or a tongue cleaner and clean the tongue gently if it is comfortable. Avoid tobacco and anything that irritates the area. Persistent patches need evaluation even if oral hygiene is good. Do not assume garlic, probiotics or vigorous scrubbing will treat the cause.

Does a white tongue mean cancer?

A white tongue does not by itself mean cancer. Some persistent tissue changes need further investigation. Oral cancer screening can identify an area that needs attention, and a diagnosis may require additional testing such as a biopsy.

Where can I have a tongue change checked in Jacksonville?

Call CJ Henley, DMD at 904-398-1549 or contact us. We are on Hendricks Avenue near San Marco. Note when the change began, whether it hurts and whether it has changed. Bring your medication list and relevant medical history.

Sources

1. Cleveland Clinic. White tongue. Accessed October 6, 2026.

2. Mayo Clinic. White tongue: causes. Accessed October 6, 2026.

3. NHS. Sore or white tongue. Accessed October 6, 2026.

4. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dry mouth.

About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.