What to Do in an Emergency

Toothache

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 of the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply a cold compress, take ibuprofen 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 cannot be controlled by applying pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown). not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but do not scrub clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it into its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot re-insert the tooth, transport it in a cup containing milk or water. See a dentist immediately! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

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, or chewing gum, or if a wire is stuck in the gums, cheeks, 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.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is necessary.

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/Cancer Sores

Many children occasionally suffer from “cold” or “canker” sores. Usually, over-the-counter preparations give relief. Some serious diseases may begin as sores. It is important to have a dental evaluation if these sores persist.

Emergency service is available 24 hours a day when you are an established patient. We personally answer all calls 24 hours a day.