Emergency Information

Emergency Information

If you knock a permanent (second) tooth out:

1. Recover the tooth making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse root in saline or milk (if required) but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Replace the tooth, if possible, without handling the root of the tooth.
2. Otherwise place the tooth or any tooth fragment in saline or milk and proceed to a dentist as quickly as possible. Deciduous (first) teeth are not usually re-implanted as this may cause damage to the permanent tooth which lies underneath it.

Please call us as soon as possible on (03) 5243 9111

Decreasing chances of Emergency Dental

1. Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine: Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss daily. This helps remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Visit your dentist regularly: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can identify any early signs of dental issues and address them before they become emergencies.
3. Avoid harmful habits: Don’t use your teeth to open packages, bite on hard objects like ice or pens, or chew on non-food items. These habits can lead to tooth fractures or other dental injuries.
4. Wear protective gear during sports: If you participate in contact sports or activities with a risk of dental injury, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums.
5. Be cautious with your diet: Limit sugary foods and beverages, as they contribute to tooth decay. Also, avoid excessive consumption of acidic foods and drinks, as they can erode tooth enamel.
6. Practice stress management: Bruxism (teeth grinding) is often related to stress. If you grind your teeth, especially at night, talk to your dentist about wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth.
7. Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption: Tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of oral health problems, including gum disease and oral cancer.
8. Be mindful of dental conditions: If you have existing dental conditions such as cavities or gum disease, follow your dentist’s recommendations for treatment and maintenance to prevent further complications.

Avoid Rotting Teeth

• Avoid sipping soft drinks throughout the day. Instead drink sugary drinks in a short time with food or as part of a meal.
• Drink sugary drinks in moderation. Even diet drinks contain acid that will attack the teeth and result in decay.
• If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water after drinking a soft drink.
• Never drink soft drink or juice before bedtime because the liquid pools in the mouth and coats the teeth with sugar and acid that can result in decay.
• Never put a baby to bed with a bottle.
• Drink water instead of soft drink since it has no sugar, no acid and no calories.
• If you eat foods that are high in sugar or are sticky and more likely to cause tooth decay, eat those foods during meal times rather than between meals. Avoid snacking on foods high in sugar in between meal times.
• Brush and floss regularly to remove the plaque that can lead to tooth decay and ask your dentist about the use of fluoride products to lessen further decay.