Services · 2 min read
Dental emergencies: what to do before you reach the clinic
Practical first steps for a knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth, severe toothache or swelling.
Supriya Multispeciality Dental Clinic, Published
Dental problems rarely happen at a convenient time. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make a real difference, especially when a tooth has been knocked out.
A knocked-out adult tooth
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root
- If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or clean water — don’t scrub it
- If you can, gently put it back in its socket and bite on a clean cloth
- Otherwise keep it in milk or in the cheek, and get to a dentist straight away
Do not put a baby tooth back in. Contact the clinic for advice instead.
A chipped or broken tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water, keep any pieces, and use a cold compress on the cheek if there is swelling. Avoid chewing on that side until the tooth has been seen.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm water and gently clean around the tooth to remove trapped food. Over-the-counter pain relief can help in the short term if it is safe for you to take; never place a tablet against the gum. Toothache that keeps you awake needs to be seen soon.
When to go to hospital
This article is general information and isn’t a substitute for advice from a dentist who has examined you. Treatment suitability is determined after an in-person dental consultation.