Toothache

Rinse the mouth with warm water to remove debris. Place a cold compress to the outside of the cheek (do not use heat). Take paracetamol rather than aspirin, as aspirin thins the blood.

Knocked out tooth

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, make sure the tooth is clean. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it in milk or very briefly in water. Immediately replant the tooth in the socket and hold tooth in place.

If unable to replant the tooth, keep it moist by immersing it in milk, sealing it in plastic wrap, or placing it in the owner’s mouth next to the cheek (if the owner is able).

Seek immediate dental care.

Chips, fractures and cracks

If minimal damage only, seek dental advice within 24 hours. If the tooth chip or fracture is large, seek dental advice as soon as possible.

Bitten lips or cheeks

Treat a bitten lip or cheek with warm, salty mouth rinses to promote healing. Seek advice from a dental professional if an infection occurs.

Abscesses and swelling

A dental professional or doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce infection.

Seek prompt dental treatment. An abscess will not heal itself, and antibiotics will not fix the problem.

Soft tissue trauma and bleeding

Apply a clean bandage or folded handkerchief to the wound and apply firm pressure and maintain the pressure for at least ten minutes. If the bleeding cannot be controlled, seek immediate medical attention.

Jaw pain

Seek medical or dental care.