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WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

Below are helpful suggestions and information to consult should your child experience a dental emergency.

Toothache

In the event of a toothache, ensure that the area of the affected tooth is properly cleaned. Use dental floors or rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water to dislodge any impacted food. If pain persists, contact your child’s dentist as soon as possible. Do not apply heat or aspirin to the tooth or gum. Contact your dentist immediately and apply a cold compress if there is swelling in the face.

CUT OR BITTEN TONGUE, LIP OR CHEEK

Applying ice to injured areas helps to mitigate swelling. If the child is bleeding, use a cloth or gauze to apply firm, gentle pressure. If this does not control the bleeding, call your doctor or visit urgent care.

KNOCKED OUT PERMANENT TOOTH

If you can, try to find the knocked-out tooth. Handling the tooth only by the crown and not the root, you may rinse it with water only. Under no circumstances should you scrub the tooth, clean it with soap, or otherwise handle the tooth unnecessarily. Have your child bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to hold the tooth in place; however, if you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport it in a cup containing milk or the patient’s saliva (NOT water.) Additionally, the tooth may be carried beside the cheek in the child’s mouth if they are old enough. It’s crucial that you visit a dentist IMMEDIATELY to increase their chances of saving the tooth.

KNOCKED OUT BABY TOOTH

Baby teeth, unlike adult teeth, should not be replanted due to the risk of damage to the underlying permanent tooth. In the case of a knocked-out baby tooth, usually treatment is not necessary; however, if you have any concerns feel free to contact us during business hours and schedule an appointment.

CHIPPED/FRACTURED PERMANENT TOOTH

Make sure to contact your dentist immediately in the case of a chipped or fractured permanent tooth, as time is critical in preventing infection and the need for complex dental treatment. After rinsing the mouth with water, reduce swelling by applying a cold compress. If you’re able to find the broken tooth piece, bring this with you to your dentist’s visit.

CHIPPED/FRACTURED BABY TOOTH

As little ones explore the world around them, chips in baby teeth are not uncommon. Treatment is not typically needed unless a nerve is exposed; if you have aesthetic concerns, contact us during business hours to schedule an appointment.

IMMEDIATELY GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IF YOUR CHILD EXPERIENCES THE FOLLOWING

-Severe Blow to the Head: Call 911 immediately or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

-Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw: Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.