First Aid for Dental Emergency
Toothache:
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to displace any food trapped between teeth. DO NOT place Aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Take acetamino-phen (Tylenol) for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.
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 wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheek or tongue, DO NOT remove it. Take your child to a dentist immediately. Loose or broken appliances that do not bother your child don’t usually require emergency attention.
Cut or bitten tongue, lip or cheek:
Ice can be applied to any 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 your child to a hospital emergency room.
Possible broken jaw:
If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie or handkerchief, then 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 bleeding persists, see a dentist.
Cold/Canker Sores:
Many children occasionally suffer from “cold” or “canker” sores. Usually over the counter preparations giverelief. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important to have a dental evaluation if these sores persist.
Knocked out permanent tooth:
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth gently in cool water, 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 insert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. See a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
Broken Tooth:
Rinse dirt from the 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.
Emergencies can be prevented
- Encourage your children to wear comfortable, professionally crafted mouth protectors during sports.
- Always use a car seat for young children. Require seatbelts for everyone else in the car.
- Childproof your home. A significant percentage of mouth injuries occur in children under the age of 3.
- Protect children from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental checkups and preventive care.
