First Aid for Dental Emergencies

Please call us on 03 6311 0910 as soon as possible
if you are experiencing any of these conditions.

Toothache

• Rinse mouth with warm water.
• Use dental floss to remove any lodged food.
• If there is any swelling, apply cold compress to the outside cheek.
• Do not use heat or place aspirin / painkiller on aching teeth or gums.
• You can take pain relief orally.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

• Save any pieces.
• Rinse the mouth using warm water; rinse any broken pieces.
• Apply cold compress to face to minimise swelling.
• Apply direct pressure to area with a clean cloth.

Knocked Out Tooth

• Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area for about 20 mins.
• Gently rinse the tooth in warm water.
• The best way to keep the tooth safe is to keep it in your mouth in your own saliva and/or blood.

Extruded (partially dislodged) Tooth

• See the dentist right away.
• Until you reach your dentist, to relieve pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.

Lost Filling

• As a temporary measure for a small hole, stick a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity (sugar-filled gum will cause pain) or use over-the-counter dental cement.
• If a large hole, just keep the hole clean and clear of any food.

Abscess

• Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums.
• Abscesses are a serious condition that can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated.
• Because of the serious oral health and general health problems that can result from an abscess, see the dentist as soon as possible if you discover a pimple-like swelling on your gum that usually is painful.
• In the meantime, to ease the pain and draw the pus toward the surface, rinse mouth with a mild salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 1 cup water) several times a day.

Objects Caught Between Teeth

• First, try using dental floss to very gently and carefully remove the object. If you can't get the object out, see your dentist.
• Never use a pin or other sharp object to poke at the stuck object. These instruments can cut your gums or scratch your tooth surface.

Lost Crown

• If the crown falls off, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible and bring the crown with you.
• If you can't get to the dentist right away and the tooth is causing pain, use a cotton swab to apply a little clove oil to the sensitive area (clove oil can be purchased at chemist or in the spice aisle of your grocery store).
• If the tooth is sensitive rub sensitive toothpaste on the area and see the dentist as soon as you can.
• Do not use super glue!

Soft-Tissue Injuries

• Injuries to the soft tissues, which include the tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips, can result in bleeding. To control the bleeding, here's what to do:
• Rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 1 cup water).
• Use a moistened piece of gauze or tea bag to apply pressure to the bleeding site. Hold in place for 15 to 20 minutes.
• To both control bleeding and relieve pain, hold a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes.
• If the bleeding doesn't stop, see the dentist right away or go to a hospital emergency room. Continue to apply pressure on the bleeding site with the gauze until you can be seen and treated.