But what can you do if you experience a dental emergency? If it happens during the day, your first step should be calling your local dentist to schedule a visit. If it’s after hours, it can be more difficult to know what to do. The good news is that quality first aid can make a massive difference. In many instances, taking a Tylenol, gargling with antiseptic mouthwash, using clove oil, or applying a cold compress can provide some relief until you’re able to make it into see a dentist.