First Aid Dental
Emergencies
Here's some of Our Dentists' advice for some
common First Aid Dental Emergencies.
ToothAche
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly.
Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm saltwater to dislodge
trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum
or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply a cold
compress. Take acetiminophen for pain and see a dentist
as soon as possible
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Apply ice to 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 the child to a hospital
emergency room.
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 cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. If a wire
is stuck in the gums, cheek or tongue, DO NOT remove it.
Take the child to a dentist immediately. Loose or broken
appliances which do not bother the child do not usually
require emergency attention.
Broken
Tooth
Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water.
Place a cold compress over the face in the area of the injury.
Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental
attention is necessary.
Knocked
Out Permanent Tooth
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top
(crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but
DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert
the tooth in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in
place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot
reinsert 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.
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 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 give
some relief. Because some serious diseases may begin as
sores, it is important to have a dental evaluation if these
sores persist.
