Some quick tips to help with dental emergencies:
A knocked-out tooth
- Saving the tooth is secondary; your general well-being is much more important. If you or the person who is traumatized lost consciousness or are injured, call 000 straight away.
- If bleeding is occurring, try to stop it by applying some pressure with a clean cloth.
- Find your tooth. Don’t touch the root and never hold it by the root surface. Always try to hold it by the crown (the part that is visible in the mouth). Gently rinse it of any visible soil or debris under running water (if possible) without touching the root surface.
- Time is crucial. If you can get to us within one hour, you have some chance of saving your tooth.
- Keep the tooth in your mouth on the side of your cheek. Next best option is to keep it in milk. Use water as the last option.
Read more about managing a Knocked out tooth here
A painful tooth
- Try to control the pain using painkillers that you usually take and not allergic to.
- Book your dental visit as soon as possible. We will usually be able to get you out of pain on the first visit.
- Significant swelling which is spreading needs urgent attention. If it’s after hours and the swelling is significant and casuing vision or breathing problems you need to attend the hospital as soon as possible. It is important to completely be aware of your medical history including the medications you are currently taking.
Read more about managing a painful tooth here
A fractured tooth
- The sooner the treatment starts the better, as the fracture maybe deep and close to dental pulp (tooth nerve) and lead to toothache and need for root canal treatment if not covered and protected in time.
- Sometimes we may be able to reattach a fractured front tooth segment.
- Try to avoid chewing on a fractured tooth or exposing it to hot and cold stimuli until you see your emergency dentist.
Gum Infection
- A gingiva (gum) infection, is often characterized by swelling, redness, and pain in the gum. This happens often between the teeth due to a local irritating factor like stuck food. This can also be a result of true gum disease known as periodontitis and can become severely painful and a true emergency.
Management tips for gum infection:
- Mix one teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth to reduce inflammation and cleanse the area. The anti bacterial mouth rinses can be very helpful.
- Place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to alleviate swelling and discomfort.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Continue brushing and flossing gently to keep the area clean, but avoid irritating the infected gums.
- Schedule routine dental check-ups to catch gum issues early.
- Avoid tobacco products, which can exacerbate gum disease.