Toothache and dental emergencies in Koothattukulam

Go to a hospital first if

• Your face or neck is swollen and it is getting worse
• You have difficulty swallowing or breathing
• You have a high fever with a swollen face
• Bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure

These can be signs of a spreading infection. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department and call us afterwards.

What you can do for a toothache until you are seen

• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water
• Use floss gently to remove any food stuck between the teeth
• Hold a cold compress against the cheek if it is swollen
• Take a pain reliever you normally use, following the instructions on the pack, and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure
• Do not put aspirin or other tablets directly on the gum, as this can burn it
• Avoid very hot, cold and sweet food on that side

A knocked-out tooth

1. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
2. If it is dirty, rinse it gently in milk or water for a few seconds. Do not scrub it.
3. If you can, put it back in the socket and hold it there. If not, keep it in a container of milk.
4. See a dentist immediately, because the sooner the tooth is put back, the better the chance of saving it.

A broken or chipped tooth

Rinse your mouth, keep any broken piece, and call us. A small chip can often be repaired quickly with composite bonding, while a break that reaches the nerve needs treatment sooner.

Questions about toothache and dental emergencies

This page gives general information. Your own treatment depends on an examination by your dentist. Individual results vary.