Emergencies
| If your child has suffered a head injury with loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, altered mental status, prolonged or worsening headache, seizures or blurred vision or numbness, activate 911 immediately. Knocked Out Permanent Tooth This is a true dental emergency because there is a 20-30 minute opportunity to save the tooth. If the tooth can be placed back in the socket within this time frame, it may be saved for many years. Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, place it in a Save-A-Tooth container, if one is available. OR carry it in a cup containing milk or egg white. Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately. If your school nurse or sports team does not have one of the Save-A-Tooth containers in their emergency kit, please give us a call. A tooth placed into one of these may be reinserted and saved even several hours after being knocked out. Broken Tooth Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Attempt to recover any broken tooth fragments. Get immediate dental attention. If the nerve is exposed, the tooth should be seen by a dentist within several hours; if the nerve is not exposed or has only a minor chip, it may be seen the next day. Always contact your dentist to determine if your child needs to be seen and how quickly. Tooth Ache Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended. Contact the dentist as soon as possible. Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure and continues after efforts to stop it, go to an emergency room. Possible Broken Jaw In the event of jaw injury, immobilize the mouth. A towel, tie or handkerchief may be helpful. Go immediately to an emergency room. Other Urgent Conditions: Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, see a dentist. Cold or Canker Sores Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. Avoid acidic foods like orange juice or tomato juice. If sores persist, visit your dentist. Dental Emergency Handount - Spanish  Dental Emergency Handout - English  |