Emergencies

Tooth Ache

Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, Ibuprofen (Motrin®) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can be used according to the directions on the packaging. Ibuprofen helps take away swelling and relieves paid but Acetaminophen only relieves pain. Topical analgesics (pain medicine) such as Orajel® or Zilactin® is recommended. See a 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 or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

Broken Braces and Wires

Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue; see a dentist immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the mouth and tooth with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments consult a dentist as soon as possible.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

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, carry it in a cup containing the saliva of the person who’s tooth came out or simply place the tooth by the cheek in the mouth and proceed to the Dentist office or Emergency Room. Because time is essential, get help immediately.

Canker and Cold sores

Warm salt water rinses by placing a tablespoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinsing for a minute or so. Benadryl® can also be used to rinse with but do not swallow the Benadryl® and make sure it is spit out. Ibuprofen (Motrin®) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can be used according to the directions on the packaging. Topical analgesics (pain medicine) such as Orajel® or Zilactin® is recommended. Avoid spicy and salty foods.

Possible Broken Jaw

In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.

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.

At What Age Should My Child Visit the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends an oral health consultation visit within six months of a child's first tooth. Most children arrive for their first dental visit between the ages of 2 and 3, and about twenty percent will have at least one cavity. We realize that visiting the dentist for the first time can be very scary, so we're happy to treat your child while he or she sits on your lap. The exam is brief and if radiographs are necessary they can be taken with the parent assisting. A cleaning is performed using a little cup and polishing paste and a fluoride treatment is applied to the teeth. This is a great way to introduce your child to our dental office and staff. Our goal is to develop a caring relationship with your child and encourage proper oral hygiene for a lifetime.

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