First Aid Guide For Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency can be a very stressful situation. Knowing exactly what to do when an emergency situation arises can reduce pain and long term damage. Below are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Cut or Bitten Mouth
   Apply wrapped ice to bruised areas. If bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze of cloth. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10-15 minutes, or if heavy and cant be controlled by simple pressure, go to nearest emergency room or urgent care center.
2. Permanent Tooth Knocked Out
   Locate the tooth and pick it up carefully, touching the crown(top) only  and not the root, if possible. Rinse the tooth if needed, but don’t clean or handle it unnecessarily. If the tooth is whole(not broken or cracked), gently reinsert it in its socket. Hold the tooth in place by biting down on clean gauze or cloth. If you don’t reinsert it, transport it in a cup of milk or mildly salty water. This helps keep the root alive until you can see us. Timeliness is crucial to help save the tooth!
3. Broken Tooth
   Rinse dirt or debris from injured area with clean, warm water. Place a cold compress over injured area of face to reduce swelling or bruising. Find and save any pieces of broken tooth you can. SEE US IMMEDIATELY.
4. Toothache or Sore Gum
   Thoroughly clean around the sore area. Rinse by swishing warm salt water and try to dislodge any trapped food or debris with dental floss. Don’t put aspirin directly on teeth or gums, but do take an over the counter pain reliever like Ibuprofen to help ease the pain until you can see us. If you face is swallon apply cold compress(or a bag of frozen peas can do the trick).
5. Possible Broken Jaw
   Try to keep the jaw from moving by holding it or gently wrapping a towel or tie around the jaw and head. Get to nearest emergency room or urgent care center.
6. Bleeding After Baby Tooth Falls Out
   Have your child bite down on clean, folded gauze or cloth over the bleeding area for 15 minutes. Repeat once if necessary, but Call our office if bleeding continues.
7. Cold Sores/Canker Sores
   Usually over the counter preparations bring relief until sore heal. However, some serious diseases can begin as sores. So let us know if sores worsen and/or persist.