When a board meets a front tooth
Trigg Beach is one of Perth’s most popular beaches for board riding, and the wave that runs from Trigg Point towards the beach draws surfers and bodyboarders alike. A fin, a rail or your own board bouncing back on its leash can chip, crack or loosen a front tooth in a moment.
If it happens, look for any broken pieces, rinse gently with clean water and give us a call; our chipped or broken tooth page has more detail. A small chip with no pain can often wait a day or two, but a tooth that has been pushed out of position, keeps bleeding at the gum or hurts when you breathe in cold air should be looked at promptly.
If a whole tooth is knocked out, our knocked‑out tooth page sets out the first steps; then call us and come straight in.
From surf club summers to winter sport
Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club was formed here in 1953, and the club says around half of its members are under 14. Its volunteers patrol on weekends from October to the end of March.
For young people who swap the beach for football, hockey, netball or basketball when the weather turns, the end of the patrol season is a sensible time to organise a custom mouthguard.
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Long days in the sun and salt
Plain water is the kindest drink for your teeth during a long session in the surf or on the sand. Regular sips of sports drinks, soft drink or juice keep teeth bathed in sugar and acid, which over time can soften enamel and feed decay.
Lips take a lot of sun and wind on the coast as well. At each check‑up we look at your lips, tongue and the soft tissues inside your mouth along with your teeth, and we’ll let you know if anything should be watched or seen by your GP.
Fitting care around the beach
If your weekend starts with an early paddle out at the point or a walk on the Trigg Bushland Reserve loop, a Saturday morning appointment can follow on without taking time out of the working week.
Being close also helps when something goes wrong unexpectedly. A filling that cracks on a Friday or a tooth that starts throbbing overnight is easier to deal with when help is just up the road, and we keep time for urgent pain, swelling and injuries.
Making an appointment
Phone 08 9447 1514 or use online booking, which is open at any hour. Tell us if the visit is about a surf or sport injury so we can give it the right priority, and mention if it’s your child’s first visit so we can allow a little extra time.
Services Trigg patients may find useful
Common questions about visiting from Trigg
I chipped a tooth surfing. How soon should I be seen?
If the chip is small, not sore and the tooth hasn’t moved, you can usually wait for the next available routine appointment. If the tooth is loose, pushed out of line, bleeding or very sensitive, call us the same day. Keep any broken pieces in milk or water and bring them along.
My teeth ache in cold water during winter surfs. Is that normal?
A sharp twinge from cold can come from exposed root surfaces, worn enamel, a cracked tooth or a leaking filling. It isn’t something to ignore if it’s new or getting worse. We can check the cause at a check‑up and talk through options, which may be as simple as a desensitising toothpaste.
When should we organise a mouthguard after the surf club season?
Aim for a few weeks before winter training starts, so the guard is ready for the first session.
Is there a bus from Trigg to the surgery?
Yes. Transperth route 423 runs through Trigg, including along Karrinyup Road, Arnott Street and Kitchener Street, and continues into North Beach. Times change, so check the Transperth journey planner before you leave.
Can I bring the kids on a Saturday after Nippers?
Yes, we’re open on Saturday mornings. Sandy feet are no problem, but give everyone a quick drink of water and a rinse before the appointment so we can see teeth clearly. You can choose a Saturday time through online booking.