Tooth pain can be one of the most distressing dental issues, and in my more than 35 years of experience providing emergency dental care in Glen Iris, I’ve found that most toothaches come from a small number of common causes. Understanding these issues—and knowing what to do before you reach us—can help you protect your teeth and get relief more quickly.

The Most Common Causes of Tooth Pain

1. Tooth decay (“tooth holes”)

Early decay often causes sensitivity to hot or cold foods. As decay progresses, the pain becomes constant and more severe.

2. Gum infection

Inflamed or infected gums can lead to bleeding, swelling, bad breath, and loosening of the teeth.

3. Trauma or knocked teeth

Sports injuries, accidents, or falls may cause a tooth to chip, crack, or be knocked out completely.

4. Chewing hard objects

Accidentally biting into a stone or very hard piece of food can fracture a tooth.

5. Problematic wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth often trap food and bacteria, leading to swelling, infection, and pain.

Why You Should See Dr. Kaufman Daniel Quickly

When you’re in pain or a tooth has been knocked out, timing is critical. Seeing us early helps:

• Prevent further damage

• Increase the chance of saving a broken or knocked-out tooth

• Provide instant pain relief

• Protect your long-term dental health

At Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, we are open 6 days a week and do our best to see emergency patients as soon as possible.

When you arrive, I will first examine your teeth to identify the true source of the pain. It’s common for tooth pain to radiate into the ear, jaw, or even cause headaches, so professional diagnosis is essential. Once we understand the cause, we can provide immediate relief and a clear treatment plan.

What You Can Do While Waiting to See Us

If You Have a Toothache

Before your emergency appointment:

• Rinse your mouth with water to clear debris.

• Use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove trapped food.

• Apply a cold pack to the cheek if there is swelling (remove it periodically).

• Take pain medication you are familiar with—never place tablets directly on the tooth.

• Avoid home remedies such as aspirin on the tooth, alcohol, or baking soda—these cause more harm than good.

The safest and best solution is a proper dental examination.

If You Have a Knocked-Out Tooth

• Find the tooth.

• Hold it only by the crown, not the root.

• Rinse with milk; if unavailable, rinse briefly with water or have the patient gently suck it clean.

• Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket.

• If you can’t reinsert it, store it in milk, cling wrap, or inside the cheek (only if safe).

See a dentist within 30 minutes if possible—this greatly improves the survival of the tooth.

If You Have a Broken Tooth

• Rinse with warm water (cold water may increase pain).

• Collect any broken fragments and bring them to us—they are often repairable.

• Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.

• Do not try to remove fragments lodged in lips or cheeks—wait for professional help.

Come to see us as soon as possible.

Cuts to the Tongue or Lip

These areas bleed heavily due to rich blood supply. To control bleeding:

• Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth.

• If bleeding does not stop or the cut is deep, visit us or your nearest hospital emergency department.

Braces or Retainers Causing Irritation

• Cover loose or sharp wires with a cotton ball, gauze, or orthodontic wax.

• Do not attempt to remove wires stuck in soft tissues.

• Contact your orthodontist, or if unavailable, we can assist.

Need an Emergency Dentist in Glen Iris?

We are here to help—6 days a week.

👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly.

📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East