How to Manage a Dental Emergency: Expert Tips from Ryde Dental Family

Dental emergencies can happen anytime and often when you least expect them. Whether it’s a sudden toothache or a knocked-out tooth, acting quickly and knowing what to do can make a big difference in saving your tooth and relieving pain.

At Ryde Dental Family, we provide same-day emergency dental care to help you get out of pain fast. Here’s a complete guide on how to identify and manage common dental emergencies before you see a dentist.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is a sudden, painful, or potentially serious issue affecting your teeth, gums, or mouth that requires urgent dental treatment. Common dental emergencies include:

Severe toothache or dental pain
Chipped, fractured, or broken tooth
Knocked-out or dislodged tooth
Soft tissue injuries (bleeding from the mouth, lips, cheeks, or gums)
Wisdom tooth pain
Sports-related dental injuries
Broken braces or orthodontic wires
Denture damage or breakage

How to Handle a Dental Emergency Before Seeing the Dentist

Toothache or Acute Dental Pain

What to Do:

Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to remove food debris.
Take over-the-counter pain relief medication (as advised).
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling.
Contact your emergency dentist immediately.

What Not to Do:

Don’t place aspirin directly on the tooth—it can cause burns to your gums.

2. Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth

What to Do:

Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Keep any broken pieces moist using milk, saliva, or clean gauze.
Apply pressure with a clean cloth if there’s bleeding.
Use a cold compress to manage swelling.
Visit your dentist as soon as possible.

What Not to Do:

Avoid using tissues or heat.
Don’t ignore the injury—even small chips can lead to bigger issues.

3. Knocked-Out or Dislodged Tooth

What to Do:

Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root.
If clean, try to gently place it back in its socket (do not force it).
If dirty, rinse with milk or saliva—not water.
Keep the tooth moist in milk, saliva, or place it inside the cheek.
Control any bleeding with clean gauze and apply a cold compress.
Get to the dentist immediately—within 30 minutes is best for reimplantation.

What Not to Do:

Don’t scrub or dry the tooth.
Avoid touching the root or using heat.
Never store the tooth in water.

4. Bleeding from Gums, Lips, or Cheeks

What to Do:

Rinse the area gently with warm water.
Apply consistent pressure with clean gauze or cloth.
Use a cold compress if there’s swelling.
If bleeding doesn’t stop, seek urgent medical or dental care.

What Not to Do:

Don’t use heat—it can worsen bleeding.

Emergency Dental Care in Ryde Dental Family

At Ryde Dental Family, we know that fast and effective treatment is essential during a dental emergency. That’s why we offer emergency dental appointments, often available on the same day, for both new and existing patients.

We also offer extended opening hours to suit your schedule, especially if you’re unable to come in during regular daytime hours.