Dental emergencies can worsen quickly, and online information cannot replace examination. Call a dental clinic promptly for severe toothache, swelling, dental trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or a broken tooth with pain.
A permanent tooth has been knocked out
Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. If dirty, rinse it gently without scrubbing. If possible, place it back in the socket without forcing it. Otherwise keep it in an appropriate tooth-preservation medium or milk and seek urgent dental care. Do not reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth.
Facial swelling or infection
Dental swelling accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, eye involvement, rapidly spreading swelling or severe illness needs emergency medical attention. Do not delay while waiting for a routine appointment.
Broken tooth or lost filling
Save any fragments, rinse gently and avoid biting on the area. Sharp edges may be temporarily covered with dental wax. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum. A dentist must assess whether the pulp or root is involved.
Severe toothache
Rinse with lukewarm water and clean gently around the tooth. Use pain relief only if it is normally safe for you and follow the label or your clinician’s instructions. Antibiotics do not cure every toothache and should not be taken without professional advice.
What to tell the clinic
Describe the symptom, when it began, swelling, fever, injury, medical conditions, allergies and medicines. This helps the team assess urgency.
Clinical content should be reviewed before final publication.
Last updated: August 2026