Knocked-out Tooth (Permanent): Find the tooth and rinse it with only water do not scrub it or use soap. If possible place the tooth back in its socket and hold it there with a clean towel or gauze. If you can not put it back place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva or water and come to see us immediately or to your pediatric dentist. The first thirty minutes after an accident are the most critical to treatment of dental trauma.

Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris. If the pain still exists, contact your child’s dentist. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact your dentist immediately.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek: Apply ice to bruised areas. If bleeding occurs, apply firm but gentle pressure with gauze or a cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to the hospital emergency room.

For more information on oral health care needs, please visit the website for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry here.