Emergency Appointments

If it’s an adult (permanent) tooth:

1. Hold it by the white bit that sticks out of the gum (the crown). Do not touch the root.
2. Lick it clean if it’s dirty, or quickly rinse it in cold running water for no more than 10 seconds
3. Try to put it back into the hole in the gum. If it does not go in easily:
   • Put it in milk
   • Put it in saliva – by spitting into a container (if it’s your tooth) or having your child spit into a container (if it’s theirs)
   • Hold it in your cheek until you see the dentist – but do not have younger children do this in case they swallow it
4. If it goes back in, bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold the tooth in place.

If it’s a baby tooth:
Do not put it back in – it could damage the tooth growing underneath

If you don’t know if it’s an adult or baby tooth:
Put it in milk or saliva (by having your child spit into a container) and bring it to the dentist

Swellings can occur due to a variety of reasons, however the most important thing is to seek dental advice urgently. Out of hours if the swelling starts to make you feel unwell with fever or has any impact on your breathing it is imperative you go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department.