Toothache
A toothache can occur from: a deep cavity, an oral ulcer, dental trauma, a gum problem, a loose baby tooth or from something stuck between the teeth. Be sure to keep the area clean. lf your child will not allow you to use a brush, take a wet gauze or washcloth and wipe the area including the gums gently. Avoid hot and cold foods and liquids. Sugar should be avoided. Tylenol or Advil can be used to reduce pain. Please do not place aspirin on the tooth or gums. Call our office as soon as possible.
Cut Cheek, Lip or Tongue
Bleeding should be controlled by holding a clean gauze or wash cloth over the area for at least five full minutes. If bleeding does not stop, please call our office or an emergency room. Make sure that the child’s DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) injection series is current.
Knocked out Permanent Tooth
Contact our office immediately as quick action can save the tooth. Permanent teeth that are repositioned within the first two hours have a much better chance of surviving. If possible, find the tooth and handle it by the crown, not the root. Do not clean with soap. Do not scrub or handle the tooth more than necessary. Try to insert the tooth back into the socket. Apply gentle pressure to the tooth using a finger or have the child bite on a washcloth. If unable to reposition the tooth, store it in a cup of milk or in the child’s own saliva. Call the office immediately.
Knocked out Primary (Baby) Tooth
Attempts to reimplant a lost baby tooth most often fail. Sometimes, primary teeth may be in the process of being lost, and an injury will just accelerate the process. Therefore, the loss of a baby tooth is usually not a serious emergency. Baby teeth usually are not reinserted in order to avoid injury to the unerupted permanent tooth. It is normal to see much blood in the child’s mouth. Firm pressure over the socket with a gauze or washcloth for five to ten minutes can be used to stop the bleeding. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used if the child experiences discomfort.
Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth
Contact our office. Sometimes the injury needs to be treated immediately. At times, it does not need urgent care. If possible, locate the broken tooth fragment. Store it in milk and bring it to the office. If the lip is swollen, apply an ice pack to the lip. Do not apply ice to the tooth. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used.
Chipped or Bumped Baby Tooth
Contact the office to make sure the root has not fractured and that the other oral structures have not been injured. An x-ray may be taken and instructions regarding diet, pain control and oral hygiene can be discussed.
Facial Swelling
This problem can be due to a dental infection (abscess), a cut or dental trauma. Swelling near the eye or swelling that causes difficulty breathing is especially serious. Antibiotics are needed to control the infection. Call the office or take your child to an emergency room. Do not delay.
Fractured Jaw
Take the child to the emergency as soon as possible. Ice can be applied gently.
Head Injury
Take the child to the emergency room as soon as possible.