Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth: Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. In case of bleeding, place a wet gauze square on the area and ask your child to bite hard on it for 10 minutes. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth, cheek or lip near the affected area to reduce swelling. Call our office as soon as possible.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown (the top part), not by the root. If the tooth is obviously contaminated, you may rinse for 10 seconds under cold running tap water. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket immediately. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). Please call our office immediately. The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm salt water and use dental floss to dislodge any food particles. In case of swelling, apply a cold compress on the cheek outside the affected area.  Never put any medicine, like aspirin or clove, directly against the gums as they may cause tissue burns. Call our office to schedule an appointment.

Cold or Canker Sores: Many children occasionally suffer from "Cold" or "Canker" sores. Over-the-counter preparations may provide some relief but should be used sparingly and with caution. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important to call our office for a dental evaluation if these sores persist.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek: Any injury to the lips, tongue, cheek or gums can result in bleeding. First, rinse the mouth with a mild salt water solution. Then use a moistened piece of gauze and apply pressure on the infected area for 10 to 15 minutes. If the bleeding still doesn't stop, call our office immediately.

Bleeding after Baby Tooth falls out: Fold and pack a clean gauze square or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once. If the bleeding continues, call our office.