Toothache

Begin by gently and thoroughly cleaning the sore tooth and surrounding tissues with a wipe or soft toothbrush.  Warm water rinse and flossing may help displace any food lodged in between the teeth.  In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area.  For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen or ibuprofen is recommended.  Be sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible.  If you see facial swelling and can not see your dentist immediately, you may go to the emergency room.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

First, apply ice to any bruised areas.  Sometimes sucking on ice or a popsicle provides relief.  For bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a sterile gauze or clean cloth.  If the bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room. 

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water.  Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury.  Recover any tooth fragments if you can.  Call your dentist immediately.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Time is very important in this situation.  Recover the tooth if possible and avoid touching the root surface.  Rinse gently with a small stream of water (but do not thoroughly wipe and clean) any contaminated areas of the root.  Try not to handle the tooth unnecessarily.  Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place by biting gently on a clean cloth.  If the tooth can not be reinserted, place it in a cup of milk or the patient’s own saliva.  Contact your dentist immediately.

Broken Braces or Appliance

Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax,  gauze or sugarless chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue. Contact your orthodontist, or your dentist immediately. Emergency treatment is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that are causing no discomfort.

Possible Broken Jaw

If your child sustains a severe blow to the chin, or any jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief tied around the patients head, supporting the chin. Go immediately to an emergency room.