We all tend to put off dental visits until something hurts. Even as a dentist I am guilty of doing the same. Nevertheless, a broken tooth, a sudden swelling or an injury can be alarming, especially when it happens outside normal hours. In those moments, having a trusted local dental clinic makes a real difference.
The first thing is not to ignore the pain or delay treatment. Dental problems can worsen quickly, and prompt care may help reduce discomfort and prevent further damage and high costs. Many dental practices, including us, accept online bookings/offer teleconsultation and are easy to book appointments if we are not reachable via phone.
If it’s in the middle of the night and pain is unbearable then take ibuprofen (pls make sure its appropriate if you have any medical condition). Ibuprofen is often considered one of the most effective medication for dental pain. If you are unable to see a dentist straightaway then consider visiting a GP. If they suspect infection or abscess, they may prescribe antibiotics. In the meantime your pharmacist or a nurse can recommend effective pain relief strategies until you receive dental treatment. Finally search the Australian Dental Association register for local dental practitioners or for emergency dental services in your area.
Top Dental Emergencies and at Home Relief tips
Sudden severe tooth pain due to cavity OR Electric shock or sudden pain in tooth for no reason:
It usually means that the cavity has reached or very close to the nerve or the inner pulp of the tooth:
- Over the counter pain relievers Cold compress,
- Salt water mouth rinse,
- Avoid triggers such as very hot food or cold or hard food,
Oil of cloves toothache pain: Clove oil/numbing gels like Bonjela, Oral-Eze or Nyal: may help with temporary pain relief
Sharp edge of a broken tooth rubbing on tongue:
If you have orthodontic wax or sugar free chewing gum – make a soft small pea sized ball and apply it directly on the sharp edge of the tooth:
Try to stop running your tongue over the sharp edge until you are seen by a dentist.
Dentafix Temporary Filling Material – filling in your own tooth: this will not help alleviate pain but will help with the sharp rough edges of the cavity or broken tooth until you are able to see a dentist. Temporary filling kits from a pharmacy can help in emergencies but should not replace professional treatment.
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Sudden swelling in the mouth
Can be caused by a dental infection or injury and or allergic reaction. Swelling that is spreading rapidly, fever chills, or foul taste, difficulty swallowing. Contact emergency dentist or go to casey hospital or seek urgent care.
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Sudden severe pain in the gums OR Swollen, bleeding and painful gums:
Sinus pain; Loose tooth and hurts when I eat on it This usually means advanced gum disease.
Salt water mouth rinses are beneficial for short term control of pain and This cleans the area and reduces inflammation. Try using mouth wash/salt water rinse for the affected area. How to wash your mouth with warm salt water : prepare the warm salt water , lie down on the couch or bed, Have a sip and hold it in the affected area for for 30 seconds or gently swish or flush it so that it hits the corners of the teeth and gums and spit it another cup. Repeat this for 5 mins 3 times a day.
Cold compress,
Over the counter pain relief medication.
Consider a localized oral numbing gel like Bonjela or Oragel to temporarily numb the pain.
Tooth broken due to fall or an accident:
Stop Bleeding- rinse your mouth with water, apply gentle pressure and call for help Reduce swelling using gentle cold compression with ice packs
- Take pain killers
- Save the tooth fragments if possible
- Seek immediate help.
Braces or orthodontic wire rubbing on cheeks or tongue broken braces or poking wires:
- Gently nudge the open edge of the wire – use a cotton swab to gently push it flat against the tooth.
- If you have orthodontic wax or sugar free chewing gum – make a soft small pea sized ball and apply it directly on the open wire.
- Use salt water mouth rinses for the wound and avoid eating crunchy, hard or sticky foods.
- Contact your orthodontist for adjustment or repair.
PRO-TIP: Next time you see your orthodontist – ask them for an orthodontic wax so that you can keep at home in case of broken braces.
Pain after a filling or a tooth extraction/ Dry Socket:
The most frequent cause of a tooth extraction is dry socket where in the blood clot fails to form
- Over the counter pain relievers/ taking the medication you were prescribed Applying ice to the affected cheek for 15-20 mins
- Using a salt water mouth rinse after the first 24 hours Eating a soft food diet
- Avoid vigorous activity Maintain good oral hygiene
- Go back to the dentist for review
- Avoid smoking, vaping, spitting and using straws