First Aid for Teeth: Handling Dental Emergencies Until You Reach the Dentist

A fractured tooth, a dental abscess, a sports accident – if there’s something not right with your teeth and you need to get it fixed as soon as possible, that’s what we call a dental emergency.

Dental emergencies are no fun – trust us, we’ve seen our fair share. But when you’ve experienced a dental emergency it’s important to stay calm and do everything in your power to ensure the best outcome.

Victorian Dental Group outlines how to handle first aid for teeth during a dental emergency, until you reach the dentist.

What classifies as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is simple to determine: if an incident has occurred which causes extreme pain, or if something is suddenly structurally wrong with your teeth, this is a dental emergency which needs to be addressed as soon as possible. If you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact Victorian Dental Group in Malvern on 9088 5808 – your leading emergency dentists.

Handling various dental emergencies

Victorian Dental Group treats several different dental emergencies on a weekly basis. Here is some advice on handling these dental emergencies:

Knocked-out tooth

Locate the knocked-out tooth, pick it up by the crown (avoid touching the root) and rinse the tooth with milk or tap water for 2 seconds. Try to put the knocked-out tooth back into its socket, but don’t force it if it won’t go in. If this isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva until you get to the dentist.

Cracked or fractured teeth

While a chipped tooth is not an emergency, a cracked or fractured tooth certainly is, typically indicating both internal and external damage. Clean the mouth with warm water and use cold compresses on the face to reduce swelling before calling your dentist for an emergency appointment.

Dental abscess

An abscessed tooth is a dangerous infection under the tooth, in which a pocket of pus forms from within. These are known to be painful, and it’s important that you seek dental attention immediately. Rinse mouth with warm saltwater before going to the dentist. The dentist will then drain the abscess and treat the infection.

Severe toothache

If a toothache is causing severe pain, this can be viewed as a dental emergency – particularly if facial swelling is involved. Rinse mouth with warm water, take over the counter pain medication and apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area of the face.

Bleeding gums

If your gums are bleeding, you should go to the dentist immediately, as this could be a sign of either a minor irritation or a significant health issue. Rinse mouth with warm saltwater to reduce the bacteria.

Victorian Dental Group treat all of these dental emergencies and more. Our specialist emergency dentists are here to deliver fast, effective care when you’re in need. Contact Victorian Dental Group on 9088 5808 and visit our Malvern clinic today.

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VICTORIAN DENTAL GROUP
291 WATTLETREE ROAD, MALVERN EAST, VIC, 3145, AUSTRALIA
(03)90885808
INFO@VICTORIANDENTALGROUP.COM.AU

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The clinic will be closed from Thursday 2nd April 2026, and will reopen on Tuesday 7th April 2026. Online booking remains available for scheduling appointments.

Victorian Dental Group will be closed for annual maintenance on 3rd and 4th of October. Online booking remains active and our team will be available from Monday 7th October.

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First Aid for Teeth: Handling Dental Emergencies Until You Reach the Dentist

What classifies as a dental emergency?

Handling various dental emergencies

PREVENT

RESTORE

RECREATE

We are taking a short break

(03) 9088 5808

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