emergency

Toothache
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly.
Rinse the moth vigorously with warm salt water
or use dental floss 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 acetaminophen (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 can not, cover the sharp or
protruding portion with wax, cotton balls, gauze,
or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gum,
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.

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 can not be controlled by simple
pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency
room.

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 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 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.

Other Emergency Conditions;
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 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 give relief. Because some serious
diseases may begin as sores, it is important to
have dental evaluation if these sores persist.