Broken Tooth

Gently clean or rinse dirt from the area around the break. Place a cold compress on the face in the area of the broken took to minimize lip or facial swelling. If the fracture is more than one-half of the tooth, see the dentist immediately.

Knocked Out Tooth

For permanent teeth - Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it in cold water, but DO NOT scrub or handle the root unnecessarily. Try to replace the tooth into the socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by closing on a gauze pad or washcloth. If it is not possible to replace the tooth, place the tooth in a cup of milk,or if this is not available, cool water. Go to the dentist immediately. Time is important for saving the tooth, less than 30 minutes is the best.
For primary (baby) teeth - Teeth are not re-implanted. The tooth fairy will be at work prematurely.

Toothaches
Clean the area around the tooth. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food between the teeth. DO NOT place aspirin on the gums or tooth. This will cause a burn to the gum tissues. If there is swelling, apply cold to the outside of the face. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and call our office.

Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

If there is bleeding apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Apply an ice compress to the injured area. If bleeding does not stop, go to a hospital emergency room.

Possible Broken Jaw
Do not move the jaw. Stabilize the jaw by tying a towel, necktie, etc., over the top of the head. Apply cold compresses. Go to an oral surgeon or hospital emergency room immediately.

Objects Caught Between the Teeth
Try to remove the object with dental floss. You may tie one or two small knots in the floss to help remove the debris. Do not use a sharp metal object. If you cannot remove it, go to the dentist.

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Place a gauze pad or clean washcloth over the bleeding area. Keep it in place for 15 minutes, then repeat as necessary. If bleeding persists contact our office immediately.

Cold or Canker Sores

Some children will get these periodically. Usually over the counter medications will usually give relief. If they persist or are extreme, see the dentist for an evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if my child´s baby tooth is knocked out?
A: Contact us as soon as possible.

Q: What should I do if my child´s permanent tooth is knocked out?
A: Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub it or clean it with soap -- use just water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can´t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Get to the pediatric dental office immediately. (Call the emergency number if it´s after hours.) The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

Q: What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?
A: Contact us immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.

Q: What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?
A: Go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital. A blow to the head can be life threatening.

Q: What if my child has a toothache?
A: Call your pediatric dentist and visit the office promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

Q: Can dental injuries be prevented?
A: Absolutely! First, reduce oral injury in sports by wearing mouth guards. Second, always use a car seat for young children. Require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, child-proof your home to prevent falls, electrical injuries, and choking on small objects. Fourth, protect your child from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits and preventive care.