Dental Emergencies

Print Print  | Share/Bookmark

Dental Emergencies

BROKEN TOOTH

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

BLEEDING AFTER BABY TOOTH COMES OUT

Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once; if bleeding persists, see a dentist.

PERMANENT TOOTH THAT IS KNOCKED OUT

Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. See a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

BROKEN BRACES AND WIRES

If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT remove it. Take the child to a dentist immediately. Loose or broken appliances that do not bother the child usually do not require emergency attention.

CUT OR BITTEN TONGUE, LIP, OR CHEEK

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

Dental Emergency First Aid Kit

Floss.com or its owner(s) is in no way responsible for any article, description, procedure, reference or dental product that may appear on this site. Floss.com makes no warranty of any kind with respect to any dentists listed on this site or any subject matter included herein. The website could include some errors or inaccuracies and strives are made by Floss.com to improve and update without notice. Any descriptions, specific treatments or references to any companies, dentist procedures, or articles does not imply endorsement of their services. The companies that are shown on this site may or may not have paid to advertise on our site. In no way does floss.com or its owner(s) replace the evaluation of a person’s dentist or health care provider. This site is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for visits with your family dentist or other health care provider.