Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not by the root portion. You may rinse the tooth with cold water, but DO NOT clean or handle the root unnecessarily. Try to reinsert the tooth back in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by gently biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup of milk or saline. See a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Within 20 minutes is best. TIME IS A CRITICAL FACTOR!
Knocked OutPrimary (baby) Tooth
Primary teeth should never be replanted because of the high risk of damaging the permanent tooth developing underneath.If the spot where the tooth came out is bleeding, fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15-20 minutes. This may repeated once. If bleeding persists see your child’s dentist.
Toothache
Clean the area around the sore tooth gently with a soft toothbrush. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If their face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take Tylenol for pain, and see your child’s pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Rinse any dirt from the injured area with warm water. If there is swelling, place a cold compress over the outside of the face in the area of the injury. DO NOT put ice directly on the tooth. Find and save any broken tooth fragments if possible. Take Tylenol for pain, and contact your child’s pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Cut or BittenTongue, Lip or Cheek
Apply ice to any bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop significantly after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call 911 or take the child to a hospital emergency room.
Broken Braces and Wires
If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze, wax, 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.
Severe Blow to the Head, or Fractured Jaw
Call 911 and seek IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY CARE. Remember an emergency medical team may be able to get to you faster than you can reach a hospital.