Emergency Care
Emergency Conditions
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 use aspirin 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, ibuprofen is recommended. Call our office as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Apply a cold compress to any bruised or swollen areas. For bleeding, apply consistent, 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 over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments and place them in milk or water. Make sure to brush the gums gently and thoroughly in the area to prevent plaque buildup. Call our office right away.
Knocked Out Baby Tooth
The baby tooth should not be replanted because of the risk of subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth. Place firm continuous pressure to stop any bleeding. Acetaminophen is recommended for pain.
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 water. Because time is essential, call us immediately.
Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, neck tie, or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes.
Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, call us.
Object Caught In Teeth
If your child has something caught between his teeth, use dental floss to gently remove it. Never use a metal, plastic, or sharp tool to remove a stuck object. If you are unable to remove the item with dental floss, give us a call.
