Here is a list of dental emergencies, with important procedures and details for you.

    Toothache

1. Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly.
2. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris.
3. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth.
4. If face swollen, apply a cold compress.
5. Take acetaminophen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible. If unable to contact your dentist, call 911 or go the emergency room.

   Knocked out permanent tooth

1. Find the tooth.
2. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion.
3. You may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily.
4. Try to reinsert it in its socket - if possible.
5. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth.
6. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a clean cup containing milk or water.
7. See a dentist IMMEDIATELY - time is a critical factor in saving permanent teeth.

   Broken tooth

1. Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water and place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury.
2. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments.
3. Immediate dental attention is necessary.

   Cut or bitten tounge, lip or cheek

1. Apply ice to bruised areas.
2. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.
3. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it can't be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.

   Broken braces & wire

 

1. If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out
2. If it can't, cover the sharp or protruding portion with wax or chewing gum, or gauze.
3. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheek, or tongue, do not remove.
4. Take the child to a dentist or to an emergency room.
5. Loose or broken appliances which do not bother the child don't usually require emergency attention.

   Other emergency conditions

POSSIBLE BROKEN JAW

   1. If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie.
   2. Then take the child to nearest hospital emergency room.

 
BLEEDING AFTER BABY TOOTH FALLS OUT

   1. Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the site of bleeding. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 10-15 minutes.
   2. This maybe repeated once more.
   3. If bleeding continues, consult a dentist.

 
COLD/CANKER SORES

   1. Many children get canker sores after colds.
   2. Change the tooth brush and place over-the-counter preparations to give relieve.
   3. But still have your dentist check the sore.