Melo Dental

Emergency Dental Care in the Philippines: What to Do When Pain Strikes at 2 AM

Find 24-hour emergency dental care in Manila. Learn how to handle dental emergencies, manage pain, and locate after-hours dentists in the Philippines when pain strikes.

Keywords: dental emergency Philippines, 24 hour dentist Manila, emergency dental care, dental pain management

Dr. Emmanuel Melo, DDS

Nothing is quite as distressing as sudden, severe tooth pain in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, dental emergencies don’t follow business hours—and knowing what to do, and who to call, can make all the difference.

At Melo Dental, we understand the urgency of these situations. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency dental care in Metro Manila. Whether it’s 2 AM or a holiday, you can reach us via Viber for immediate assistance from a professional.

Here’s your complete guide to managing dental emergencies in the Philippines.

What Constitutes a True Dental Emergency?

Not all dental problems require immediate attention. True emergencies include:

Severe tooth pain that prevents sleep or normal activities
Knocked-out permanent teeth
Broken or fractured teeth with sharp edges cutting your tongue or cheek
Dental abscesses with facial swelling
Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
Trauma to the jaw or face

Problems that can usually wait until morning include minor chips without pain, lost fillings without discomfort, and mild sensitivity.

Managing Pain Until You Can See a Dentist

When you can’t get immediate professional care, these steps can help manage pain:

For Toothache:

Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water)
Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed (ibuprofen is particularly effective for dental pain)
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes
Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks

For Broken Teeth:

Rinse your mouth with warm water
Save any pieces of the tooth
Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum
Take pain medication as needed

For Knocked-Out Teeth:

Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root
Rinse gently with water if dirty, but don’t scrub
Try to reinsert the tooth in its socket if possible
If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva
See a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth

What NOT to Do During a Dental Emergency

Don’t apply aspirin directly to the tooth or gums (it can cause chemical burns)
Don’t use ice directly on the tooth (use cold compresses on the outside of your cheek)
Don’t ignore severe pain hoping it will go away
Don’t delay treatment for knocked-out teeth
Don’t try to remove objects stuck between teeth with sharp instruments

Building Your Emergency Dental Kit

Keep these items in your medicine cabinet for dental emergencies:

Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen and acetaminophen)
Dental wax or sugar-free gum
Salt for salt water rinses
Cold compress or ice pack
Small container with lid (for storing knocked-out teeth)
Dentist’s emergency contact number

Pro Tip: Save Melo Dental’s contact details in your phone now—don’t wait for an emergency.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While you can’t prevent all dental emergencies, you can reduce your risk:

Maintain regular dental checkups to catch problems early
Wear a mouthguard during sports
Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles
Avoid chewing hard foods like ice or hard candies
Address dental problems promptly before they become emergencies

Need Emergency Dental Help Right Now?

If you’re in Metro Manila and facing a dental emergency, Melo Dental is here to help—24/7. You can contact us via Viber for immediate guidance, triage, and scheduling. We’re committed to getting you out of pain and back to health—day or night.

Dr. Emmanuel Melo, DDS

Founder & Senior Dentist at Melo Dental

Dr. Emmanuel Melo has served Filipino families for over 25 years, founding Melo Dental in 2004. A UP College of Dentistry graduate and former Quezon City Dental Society President, he specializes in comprehensive general dentistry and complex restorative procedures.

“Every patient deserves care that I would want for my own family.”