Emergency Info
Emergencies: Please call 503-692-3747. If the doctor is out of town, then another pediatric dentist will cover our emergencies for our patients of record.
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT place asprin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.
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.
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. 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 reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk. See the dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with dental wax, 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 don't usually require emergency attention.
Rinse dirt from 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.
Possible Broken
Jaw:
If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws
from moving by using a towel, tie or hankerchief, then take the child
to the nearest emergency room.
Bleeding After
Baby Tooth Falls Out: Cold/Canker Sores:
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.
Many children
occassionally suffer from "cold" or "canker" sores. Usually over-the-counter
preparations give relief. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores,
it is important to have
a dental evaluation if these sores persist.