Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.
CUT OR BITTEN TONGUE, LIP OR CHEEK
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or of can not be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room. Back to the Top
KNOCKED OUT PERMANENT TOOTH
Hold the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you can not reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. See a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth. Back to the Top
BROKEN BRACES AND WIRES
If a broken appliance can be removed easily,
take it out. If it can not, cover the sharp or protruding portion
with cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in
the gums, cheek, or tongue, DO NOT remove it. Take the child to
a dentist immediately. Loose or broken appliances which do not
bother the child don't usually require emergency attention. Back to the Top
BROKEN TOOTH
Rinse dirt from injured area with warm
water. Place cold compresses over the face on the area broken
tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is necessary. Back to the Top
OTHER EMERGENCY CONDITIONS:
POSSIBLE BROKEN JAW:If
a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving
by using a towel, tie, or handkerchief, then take the child to
the nearest hospital emergency room.
BLEEDING AFTER BABY TOOTH FALLS OUT:Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over
the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure
for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once. If bleeding persists,
see a dentist.
COLD/CANKER SORES:Many
children occasionally suffer from "cold" or "canker" sores. Usually
over-the-counter preparations give relief. Because some serious
diseases may begin as sores, it is important to have a dental
evaluation of these sore persist. Back to the Top
