Dental emergencies can be scary and traumatic, even for children, but we are here to help you make the most out of the situation. For success and immediate treatment, please do the following:
1. Call our office as soon as possible.
2. If you cannot get a hold of us, take your child to the nearest hospital or Urgent Care.
3. Comfort your child and try to calm them down as much as possible. You can try doing so by singing, playing music, or telling stories. You can also give your child blankets and pillows to help them feel at home.
4. Until you see the dentist or doctor, please do the following:
- For a broken tooth: Try to save as many pieces of the tooth as possible. Then, have your child rinse their mouth with warm water; this will help wash the blood and debris from their smile. If needed, give your child over-the-counter medication and ice the affected area to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- For a toothache: First, have your child rinse their mouth with warm water. Second, floss between each tooth and free any substance that might be causing the pain. If this doesn’t help, the tooth might have a cavity, which should be treated as soon as possible. Until your child’s appointment, you can help relieve the pain by giving them over-the-counter pain medication. Please do not put the medication directly against the gums.
- For a bitten or cut lip, cheek, or tongue: Clean the blood from the mouth and surrounding area with a damp and warm towel. Then, try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the area. If the bleeding continues, take your child to the nearest hospital.
- For a knocked-out permanent tooth: Retrieve the tooth, hold it by the crown, and rinse it off with warm water. While you rinse the tooth, please do not scrub it. If you do, the tissues and fibers can come off the tooth, which is very bad. Next, put the tooth in a small carton or cup of milk. Or, put the tooth in a cup of water with a pinch of table salt. If your child has knocked out a baby tooth, you do not need to worry. However, you are more than welcome to call us if you have any questions or concerns.
For additional help and advice, call our office now and talk to a member of our team. We are here to help you, no matter the situation!