When faced with a dental emergency, give us a call immediately. If you need urgent treatment after hours, please call our cell phone number and you will be directed to our pediatric dentist. We are always here to assist when the dental health of your child is at risk. Below are tips and techniques on how to deal with urgent dental situations. It may be a good idea to display this list on your fridge for quick access.

Bitten Tongue or lip

If your child has bitten his lip or tongue severely enough to cause bleeding, clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress (a cold, wet towel or washcloth pressed firmly against the area) to decrease or avoid swelling. Give us a call to determine how serious the bite is.

Object Caught In Teeth

If your child has something caught between his teeth, try to use dental floss to gently remove it. Never use a metal, plastic, or sharp tool to remove an object. Give us a call if you are unable to remove the stuck item with dental floss

Chipped, Broken, or Fractured Tooth

If your child has broken a piece off of his tooth, have him rinse his mouth with warm water, then use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Try to find and save the tooth fragment that broke off and bring it with you when you come to see the pediatric dentist. Give us a call as soon as possible. 

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

 If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown/cap (the part you can see when it’s in place), not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. Do not clean it with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze or holding it in place with a clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth next to the cheek. Time is extremely crucial to be able to save the tooth. You must come to us immediately.

 Knocked Out Baby Tooth

Normally, this does not constitute an emergency and in most cases, no treatment is necessary.

Loose Tooth

If your child has a very loose tooth, it should be removed as soon as possible to avoid being swallowed or inhaled.

Toothache

If your child complains of a toothache, rinse his mouth with warm water and inspect his teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them. If pain continues, use a cold compress to ease the pain. Do not apply heat or any kind of aspirin or topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, as this can cause damage to the gums. You may give oral Children's pain relievers. Call us immediately. 

Broken Jaw

If you know or suspect your child has sustained a broken jaw, use a cold compress to reduce swelling and keep the jaw from moving. Call our clinic number and/or head to the hospital immediately. In most cases a broken jaw is the result of a blow to the head. 

Avoiding Injury

You can help your child avoid dental emergencies. Don't let your child chew on popcorn, ice, or other hard foods. Always use car seats for young children and make sure seatbelts are used. If your child plays contact sports, order a mouthguard. Ask us about fabricatiing a custom made mouthguard for your child. Finally, prevent toothaches with regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups to our office.