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 or on the aching tooth.
- If the face is swollen, apply a cold compress.
- Take acetaminophen 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 it cannot be controlled by simple 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 clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily.
- Try to reinsert it in its socket.
- Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth.
- If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup of 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.
- 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.
Broken Tooth
- Rinse dirt from 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.
Other Emergency Conditions:
- Possible Broken Jaw: If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie, or handkerchief. 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 the bleeding persists, see a dentist.
- Cold/Canker Sores: Many children occasionally suffer from “cold” or “canker” sores. Usually, over-the-counter preparations give relief. Because some serious disease may begin as sores, it is important to have a dental evaluation if these sores persist.