Dental Emergencies
BITTEN LIP OR TONGUE
- Clean the bite gently with water
- Use a cold pack to the area
- Give us a call to help determine how serious the bite is.
LOOSE TOOTH
- A very loose tooth should be removed to avoid being swallowed or inhaled.
BROKEN or CHIPPED TOOTH
- Locate and collect the broken tooth fragments.
- Rinse the mouth with warm water.
- Then use a cold pack over the injured area to reduce swelling.
- Call us right away to schedule a visit.
KNOCKED OUT TOOTH
- Find the tooth.
- Hold the tooth only from its crown part, avoid touching the root.
- Place the tooth in a clean container with milk or your child’s saliva (NOT in water)
- For older kids and teens, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. Ask your child to then bite down on gauge to help keep the tooth in place.
- Call us immediately! If you act quickly it might be possible to save the tooth.
TOOTHACHE
- Clean or rinse mouth with warm salt water
- Check the teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them.
- Use dental floss to clean any trapped food or debris.
- NEVER place aspirin on gums or the hurting tooth.
- Children’s pain relievers (Tylenol or Advil) may be taken orally.
- Schedule an appointment immediately.
AVOIDING INJURY
- Childproof your house to prevent falls.
- Don’t let your kids chew on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods.
- Always use car seats for young kids and seat belts for older ones.
- If your kids play contact sports, have them wear a mouthguard and protective gear.
- Contact us about creating a custom-fitted mouthguard for your child.
Prevent toothaches with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to our office.