Dental emergencies

• My child has knocked their tooth - what should I do?

  Always seek help from a dentist (paediatric dentist if possible) as soon as practical. An assessment needs to be made regarding the health of the knocked tooth and whether any of your child‘s other (or developing) teeth have been affected. The child‘s age will be important in deciding whether the knocked out tooth is replaced or not. Usually, if the child is under 6 years of age, the knocked out tooth will be a primary (baby) tooth and is not usually replaced.

• My child has knocked their tooth out - how should I take care of them?

  A primary (baby/milk tooth) is usually not replaced for several different reasons. For example, replacement can damage the new tooth growing in the gum. However store the tooth in milk and seek professional advice. Do not throw the tooth away. Always try to find all the pieces of tooth if it has been broken. A secondary tooth (permanent or adult tooth) is usually replaced if knocked out. Rinse the tooth clean in milk, or saline if available, before replacement. It is best to hold the tooth by its crown and gently push it back into the gum. Try not to handle the root of the tooth when replacing the tooth. If unsure, place the tooth in milk and seek professional advice. Try to avoid storing the knocked out tooth in water. Once replaced, hold the tooth gently in place with a clean handkerchief or foil.

  Always seek professional advice.

• My child has sore teeth and facial swelling - what should I do?

  Immediate medical attention is required.

  Call a paediatric dentist, or general dentist, for advice.

  If no paediatric dentist or general dentist is available, contact Westmead Children‘s Hospital on (02) 9845 0000 to speak with the Emergency Triage Nurse who will help you to decide on your next course of action, or ring your local Emergency Department at your local Hospital.

• It‘s the weekend, I have a dental emergency and my local dentist is closed - who can help me?

  If your local dental surgery is closed and it is outside normal working hours, please call Westmead Children‘s Hospital on (02) 9845 0000 and speak with the Emergency Triage Nurse who will help you to decide on your next course of action, or ring your local Hospital Emergency Department.