If your child is in critical condition or requires immediate attention, seek emergency care and call 911.
Toothache Troubles
Start by cleaning the affected area thoroughly. Rinse the mouth with warm water or use dental floss to remove any lodged food or debris. If the pain persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. Please avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum or tooth.
Injuries to Lips, Tongues, or Cheeks
Apply ice to any bruised areas. If there’s bleeding, gently apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze pad. If bleeding persists after 15 minutes or can’t be controlled, head to the nearest hospital emergency room.
When a Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out
Handle the tooth carefully by the crown (top part), not the root. You can rinse it with cold water (without soap), but avoid unnecessary handling. Check for fractures. If the tooth is intact, try to reinsert it into the socket and have your child bite down on a piece of sterile gauze. Contact our office immediately for an appointment.
If you can’t reinsert the tooth, store it in a cup of the patient’s saliva or milk. If the child won’t swallow it, they can also carry it in their mouth. Time is crucial – your child needs to see a dentist ASAP to save the tooth.
For knocked-out baby teeth, get in touch with our office. Treatment may or may not be necessary, depending on the child’s age and the tooth affected.
Chips or Fractures in Permanent Teeth
Contact us right away – prompt action can save the tooth and prevent complications. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If possible, locate and save any broken fragments to bring to the office.
Chipped or Fractured Baby Teeth
Call our office. Ensure there are no other injuries, clean the area, and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw
Immobilize the jaw and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Preventing Injuries
- Childproof your home to prevent falls.
- Discourage chewing on hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels.
- Ensure proper safety measures in vehicles and during sports activities – consider a custom-fitted mouthguard for contact sports.
- Maintain good oral hygiene habits to avoid toothaches.
Orthodontic Appliance Emergencies
If orthodontic appliances are damaged, call our office for an appointment during patient hours. While we can’t handle emergencies on a walk-in basis, here are some tips until your appointment:
- Cover irritating tie wires with beeswax or tuck them under the archwire.
- Leave loose bands or brackets in place and call our office to schedule a repair appointment.
- Manage broken or poking archwires by bending them with a pencil eraser or cutting them with nail clippers. Contact our office if the problem persists.
Feel free to watch the video below for guidance on handling orthodontic emergencies.
