What to Do in a Dental Emergency: A Step-by-Step Guide | Hello Dental Colchester
Dental emergencies never seem to happen at the right time. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden toothache, a cracked tooth, or a lost filling, it can feel stressful in the moment. At Hello Dental Colchester, we want you to feel confident about what to do until you can get professional help. Here’s a calm, simple guide to follow if you ever find yourself in a dental emergency.
1. Severe Toothache
Toothache pain can come from many causes — a hidden cavity, an infection, or even something small caught between your teeth.
What to do straight away
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Rinse your mouth gently with warm, salty water.
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Floss around the sore area to check for trapped food.
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Take over-the-counter pain relief if you need it.
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Reduce swelling with a cold compress on your cheek.
When to call Hello Dental
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The pain lasts more than a couple of hours
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You have sweling, fever, or throbbing pain
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Pain wakes you during the night
Avoid: Using heat or trying to poke the painful tooth — this usually makes things worse.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth shouldn’t be ignored, even if it doesn’t hurt at first.
What to do
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Rinse with warm water to keep the area clean.
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Save any broken pieces in milk or saliva if you can.
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Apply gentle pressure with gauze if there’s bleeding.
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Use a cold compress to help with swelling.
Tip: Call us for same-day advice. Sharp edges and exposed tooth surfaces can lead to infection or further damage.
3. Lost Filling or Crown
A missing filling or crown can leave your tooth feeling sensitive or sharp.
What to do
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Keep the area as clean as possible.
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Avoid chewing on that side.
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Use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy if you need protection.
Never use superglue or other household adhesives — they can damage the tooth.
4. Broken Braces or Wires
Loose or poking orthodontic wires can irritate the inside of your mouth.
What to do
Contact your orthodontist for repair as soon as possible.
5. Abscess or Gum Swelling
A dental abscess is a sign of infection and should always be taken seriously.
Signs to look out for
What to do
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Rinse with warm salty water.
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Take pain relief if you need it.
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Call Hello Dental Colchester immediately — infections will not clear on their own.
If sweling spreads towards your eye or throat, seek emergency medical care right away.
6. Something Stuck Between Teeth
This is common and usually simple to manage.
What to do
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Use dental floss carefully.
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Try an interdental brush if you have one.
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Avoid anything sharp like pins or tweezers, which can cause injury.
When to Seek Urgent Dental Care
Contact Hello Dental Colchester for same-day advice or an emergency appointment if you experience:
Finally, staying calm is the most important first step. Acting quickly and following the guidance above can protect your teeth and reduce the risk of complications. And remember — if in doubt, give our friendly team a call. We’re always here to help.
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