How to handle common dental emergencies before reaching a dentist.

Dental emergencies require quick action. For a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown, place in milk, and see a dentist within 30 minutes. For severe toothache, rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief. For a cracked tooth, rinse gently and apply a cold compress. Always contact your dentist or emergency dental service immediately. Avoid aspirin directly on gums (causes burns) and don't try to extract a loose tooth yourself.