What to Do for 8 Different Dental Emergencies
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, timing is critical. Don’t delay in seeking emergency dental care from our pediatric dentists. A quick response can mean the difference between losing and saving a tooth.
However, the term “dental emergency” encompasses multiple scenarios. There are different steps you should take depending on what kind of dental emergency your child is experiencing. For example, some situations require an immediate visit to our dentists; others, however, require an immediate visit to the nearest emergency room.
Let’s take a look at eight common dental emergencies so you will know what to do in case you ever need to. If you have any questions or doubts, don’t hesitate to call Grandville Pediatric Dentistry for more information.
1. Toothache
Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended. See our dentists as soon as possible.
2. Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to the nearest emergency room.
3. Broken Braces and Wires
Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum.
Do NOT remove any wire caught in the gums, cheek, or tongue. Instead, see our dentists immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.
4. Broken Tooth
Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Seek immediate dental attention.
5. Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Recover the tooth, making sure to and not by the roots. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, see our dentists immediately.
6. Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie, or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.
7. Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes. If bleeding continues, see our dentists.
8. Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If persist, visit our dentists.
Seek Immediate Dental Care
Our can respond quickly to your child’s dental emergency. Call Grandville Pediatric Dentistry today at (616) 531-3430, or contact us online.