Lets face it. Emergencies happen; especially when it comes to children. When they do, you should call us immediately. If it’s after hours, you can call our emergency number. We’re always here to help when your child’s dental health is at risk.
Toothache
Toothache is common in children of all ages and rarely occurs without cause. Impacted food can cause discomfort in young children, and can be dislodged using a toothbrush, a clean finger, or dental floss. Immediately clean the area around the sore tooth, using warm salt water to rinse the mouth free of any trapped food. DO NOT use aspirin on the aching tooth or gum. To provide temporary pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended. In the event that facial swelling occurs, gently apply a cold compress to the area. Call us to schedule an appointment immediately.
Bitten Lip or Tongue
If your child happens to bit his/her tongue or lip, carefully clean the area with clean water and gauze pad and apply firm but gentle pressure until the bleeding stops. If after 15 minutes the bleeding still persists with pressure, give us a call or go to the emergency room.
Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth
If your child has chipped or broken a piece off of his permanent tooth, Rinse the area with warm water, and follow with a cold compress over the area of injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments, and save the tooth fragments. Call us immediately.
Knocked Out Permanent Teeth
If your child’s tooth is knocked out of its socket, recover the tooth, and make sure to hold it by the top (crown) and the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than is necessary. If possible, 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 place it in a cup of milk or water. In this case, time is crucial, call us immediately.
Broken Jaw
If you suspect your child’s jaw is fractured or broken, you should proceed immediately to the Emergency Room. In the meantime, you should encourage him/her not to move the jaw. In the case of a very young child, gently tie a scarf lengthways around the head and jaw to prevent movement.