Dental pain has a talent for bad timing. Here’s what actually helps until you can get to us — and when it can’t wait.
Toothache first aid
- Rinse with warm salty water and gently floss around the tooth — trapped food is a surprisingly common culprit.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed. Don’t put aspirin on the gum; it burns the tissue.
- A cold compress on the cheek helps with swelling. Avoid heat.
Chipped or broken tooth
Save any fragments in milk, rinse your mouth, and cover any sharp edge with sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax from the chemist. Book promptly — a chip that doesn’t hurt can still let decay into the tooth.
Knocked-out adult tooth: minutes matter
This is the true emergency. Hold the tooth by the crown — never the root — and if it’s dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or saline. If you can, place it straight back in the socket and bite gently on a cloth; otherwise keep it in milk. Get to a dentist within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
Don’t wait until morning if…
Facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a knocked-out tooth all need immediate attention — an infection that spreads to the face can become dangerous quickly.
We keep same-day appointments for emergencies and there’s no emergency surcharge. In pain? Call us on (02) 9677 1172 first thing and we’ll fit you in.
