If your child should have a dental emergency, please contact our office as soon as possible. This will give us the most time to assess the situation and decide on a plan of action. If it is an after-hours emergency, an alternate number will be given on the answering machine. Make sure to listen to the message in its entirety to get the emergency number. Remember, the first 30 minutes after a dental accident are the most critical!
Toothache
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If a child’s face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain and see our doctor as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.
Broken Tooth
Rinse the area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. See our doctor immediately.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Recover the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water and see our doctor IMMEDIATELY. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth!
Possible Broken Jaw
If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie, or handkerchief. Then take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold and pack a clean piece of gauze over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once. If bleeding persists, contact our office.
Cold or Canker Sores
Many children occasionally suffer from “cold” or “canker” sores. Usually, over-the-counter preparations give relief. However, because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important to see our doctor if these sores persist.