Top 7 Dental Emergencies and How To Prevent Them

What’s Considered a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency is any situation where your teeth or gums require urgent care from your dentist in Preston, Thornbury, or Northcote. Common signs include:

• Severe pain in teeth or gums
• Cracked or broken teeth or fillings
• Swelling in the mouth or jaw
• Persistent bleeding

If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, contact your emergency dentist in Thornbury or Preston immediately for guidance.

Common Dental Emergencies

1. Toothache

A toothache in Preston can indicate decay, infection, or abscess. Pain may range from mild discomfort to severe, throbbing pain.

What to do:

• Apply a cold compress to the cheek
• Take over-the-counter pain relief if necessary
• Contact your dentist in Preston at The Smile Designer

Prevention:

• Brush and floss twice daily
• Attend routine dental check-ups in Preston, Thornbury, or Northcote

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

Teeth can be knocked out during sports, accidents, or falls. Acting quickly can save the tooth.

What to do:

• Rinse the tooth if dirty (do not scrub)
• Attempt to place it back in the socket, or store it in milk
• Contact your emergency dentist in Preston immediately—ideally within 30 minutes

Prevention:

• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports such as AFL, boxing, soccer, or netball

3. Lost Crown or Filling

A lost or broken crown or filling can cause pain and expose the tooth to further damage.

What to do:

• Avoid attempting to fix it yourself
• Contact your dental emergency clinic in Northcote or Thornbury for urgent care

Prevention:

• Maintain regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups with your dentist in Preston

4. Broken or Chipped Tooth

Hard foods or accidents can chip or break a tooth, causing discomfort and affecting your smile.

What to do:

• Rinse with warm water
• Apply gauze to bleeding areas
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
• See your emergency dentist in Thornbury, Northcote, or Preston

Prevention:

• Avoid biting hard foods, such as boiled sweets
• Eat carefully and mindfully to protect your teeth

5. Abscess

An abscess is an infection around a tooth or gum, often appearing as a swollen, painful spot.

What to do:

• Avoid trying to drain it yourself
• See an emergency dentist in Preston, Thornbury, or Northcote immediately
• Painkillers can help temporarily, but professional treatment is essential

Prevention:

• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Attend regular dental check-ups

6. Bleeding Gums

Persistent bleeding gums, especially after brushing or extractions, indicate gum disease or complications.

What to do:

• Apply gauze and bite down to control bleeding
• Contact your dentist in Preston or Northcote if bleeding persists

Prevention:

• Follow post-operative care instructions carefully
• Keep up with regular dental cleanings

7. Broken Braces

Braces can sometimes break or become dislodged, causing discomfort and delaying orthodontic treatment.

What to do:

• Do not attempt to fix braces yourself
• Visit your dentist or orthodontist in Thornbury, Preston, or Northcote

Prevention:

• Follow dietary guidelines provided by your orthodontist
• Keep braces clean and avoid hard or sticky foods

What to Do in a Dental Emergency?

• Stay calm to assess the situation clearly
• Contact your emergency dentist in Preston, Thornbury, or Northcote immediately
• Follow any instructions given while on your way to the clinic