Here are common pediatric dental emergencies.
Tooth Ache
Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you place aspirin directly on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended. Call us as soon as possible
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
These areas have a lot of blood vessels, so sometimes, even a small injury can cause a lot of bleeding. Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.
Broken Tooth
Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress on the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Call us as soon as possible for evaluation.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or the patient’s saliva. Because time is essential, call us immediately.
Other Emergency Conditions
Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze or kleenex (if that’s all you have) and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Have your child bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, call us.
Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief from discomfort. The only way for a canker sore to heal is the area not becoming irritated during the healing process. Usually, canker sores can take 10-14 days to fully heal. If sores persist, call us.