Emergency Treatment

Toothaches

If your child has a toothache, clean the affected area with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water and use dental floss in the surrounding areas. If your child needs a pain reliever, administer Tylenol or Motrin according to the package directions. Do not place aspirin on the tooth itself or on the gums. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact our office immediately. A swollen face could indicate a serious problem requiring immediate attention.

Trauma

Baby teeth are not reinserted into the gums as this can cause harm to the permanent teeth

Many children sustain facial and dental trauma from sports-related injuries and other accidents such as riding into a stationary object on a bicycle. If your child has sustained an injury, remain calm. If your child has knocked out a permanent tooth, prompt attention is necessary to maintain the life of the tooth. We may be able to treat the injury at our office, although less severe cases may be able to be treated at home until you can find time to come in. If your child is suffering from an injury that goes beyond the extent of the mouth or other oral structures, call 911 or take your child to the emergency room.

If your child’s permanent tooth has been avulsed (knocked out), follow the steps below to attempt to reinsert it.

1. Hold the tooth by the crown. Avoid touching the root.
2. Rinse the tooth with salt water or milk. NOTE: Do not use water to rinse the tooth.
3. If the root is intact, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket. If unable to do so, place the tooth in a glass of milk and take it and your child to the dentist immediately.

If your child has knocked out a baby tooth, take him or her to the dentist as soon as possible.