Dental emergencies

When to go to hospital first

In the following situations, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department without delay:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Facial swelling spreading quickly towards the eye or neck
• Swelling of the face or mouth with a high fever
• A blow to the head or face with loss of consciousness, vomiting or dizziness
• Suspected jaw fracture, or being unable to open or close the mouth
• Bleeding that does not stop despite pressure

Knocked-out tooth

If it is a permanent tooth:

1. Hold the tooth by the white crown. Do not touch the root.
2. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it for a few seconds in cold water. Do not scrub, wipe or use soap.
3. If possible, put the tooth back in its socket and keep it in place by biting on a clean cloth or gauze.
4. If you cannot put it back, place it in a small container of milk. If there is no milk, keep it in your own saliva or in saline. Do not let it dry and do not keep it in water.
5. See a dentist as soon as possible. Time matters in this situation.

If it is a baby tooth, it is not put back; this could damage the permanent tooth underneath. Stop the bleeding by pressing with clean gauze and take the child to a dentist.

Broken or cracked tooth

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• If you can find the broken piece, keep it in milk or water and bring it with you.
• If there is swelling, apply a cold compress wrapped in a cloth to the outside of the cheek.
• If a sharp edge irritates your tongue or cheek, you can temporarily cover it with orthodontic wax or sugar-free chewing gum.

Severe toothache

• Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently remove any food caught between the teeth with floss.
• If you take a painkiller, follow the instructions or ask your pharmacist.
• Do not put a painkiller on the tooth or gum; it can burn the tissue in the mouth.
• If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek; do not apply heat.

A toothache that eases with painkillers does not mean the problem has gone. The cause of the pain is found by examination.

Swelling of the face or gum

Swelling caused by a tooth is usually a sign of infection. If there is no fever and no difficulty swallowing or breathing, see a dentist as soon as possible. If you have any of these signs, go to a hospital emergency department.

Lost filling or crown

Keep the crown and bring it with you. Do not try to glue it back in place. Until you see your dentist, try not to chew on that side.

Bleeding after an extraction

Place clean gauze on the extraction site and bite on it firmly for 30–45 minutes. During this time do not rinse, spit or use a straw. Slight oozing can be normal on the first day. If the bleeding does not stop despite pressure, contact the dentist who carried out the extraction or a hospital emergency department.

Reaching the clinic

During opening hours you can phone the clinic and describe the situation. Phone numbers and opening hours are at the bottom of the page and on the Contact page. Outside opening hours, if you have any of the emergency signs listed above, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.