Dental Emergencies

If your child has a toothache or an accident that damages one of their teeth, it’s important to get them to the dentist as quickly as you can.

Call Dentist on the Green on 020 8882 3909 or 111 for further advice.

Your five-step dental emergency checklist

Although each procedure varies subtly, there are some basic guidelines to treat cavities, and they are followed by all dental professionals.

                        • Review
                          Is there a missing, chipped or broken tooth? The first thing you’ll need to do is assess the situation. If an accident has happened with enough force to damage a tooth, your child could have other injuries. Check them over thoroughly. If you notice anything you’re unsure of, or suspect a head injury, speak to Dentist on the Green or your GP, call 111 or visit your nearest A&E to seek professional medical advice.
                        • Reassure
                          This will be a scary time for your little one. If you can appear calm and confident (even if you aren’t) it will help your child feel much safer. Bringing them their favourite blanket, teddy or toy is a good way to bring them some comfort while you sort everything else.
                        • Releive
                          Administering your child’s preferred form of over-the-counter pain relief will help to reduce the effect of any throbbing pain or toothache. Always remember to follow the recommended dosage from the manufacturer’s instructions. A cold compress (no ice) is a good way to reduce any swelling. If their mouth is bleeding, ask them to bite down on a clean handkerchief or cloth.
                        • Recover
                          Finding a missing tooth (or parts of a tooth) is crucial. If you can’t, it could indicate your child has swallowed or inhaled it, meaning they’ll need medical attention as soon as possible. If part of a tooth is missing, try your best to find it and preserve the missing part of the tooth in some milk and bring it with you to the dentist. Choose a container with a lid, as it’ll make travelling to your practice much easier.If a whole permanent tooth has fallen out, be careful to pick it up without touching the sensitive nerve. If your child is a little older, and willing, putting the tooth back in the socket will give it the best chance of surviving. Alternatively, you can preserve it in milk or saliva and bring it with you to our practice.
                        • Call Dentist on the Green
                          Call us on 020 8882 3909 and explain what’s happened. We’ll do our best to arrange an emergency appointment for you as soon as possible.

Filling placement is necessary to treat cavities and prolong the longevity of the natural teeth. With today’s technology continuously improving, new methods are developed to benefit the patients and ensure their positive oral health for a lifetime.

For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on your child’s aching tooth or gums; it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact Dentist on the Green.

If you think your child’s jaw is broken apply cold compresses to control the swelling. Visit Dentist on the Green or a hospital emergency department immediately.

For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed instrument. Vist Dentist on the Green or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.