Dental Emergencies
If your child experiences any trauma to your mouth, it can feel scary whether it’s a chipped tooth or a cut lip. Beatrice Pediatric Dentistry is available to our patients during and outside of business hours in case of emergency. Call us at 402.228.3384.
In the meantime, the following information may be helpful.
Toothache
Unfortunately by the time a tooth hurts, it’s usually the sign that something is a problem. Because of this, as soon as your child complains of pain, contact your dentist and make an appointment. In the meantime, you may want to consider either Children’s Tylenol or Children’s Ibuprofen making sure to follow the directions on the bottle.
Broken Tooth
Chipping or breaking your tooth is very common and can usually be fixed by the dentist. Follow these steps if your child chips their tooth:
- Recover any broken tooth fragments if possible
- Rinse the area with warm water. If the gum is involved and bleeding, apply some pressure to it with a clean wash cloth or gauze. If there is injury to the face, put a cold compress over the cheek or lip in the area of the injury.
- Make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as possible. Get the details of how the accident happened, as this provides the dentist with good diagnostic information.
Knocked Out Tooth
A knocked out baby tooth shouldn’t be re-implanted as this can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth. If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, there is a a good chance of saving the tooth by following these steps:
- Find the tooth, making sure to not touch the root end.
- You can rinse it, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary.
- Reinsert the tooth in the socket in the correct position 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 the patient’s own saliva.
- See a dentist immediately. The quicker you can splint the tooth in place, the higher likelihood you can save the tooth.
Cut or Bitten Lip, Cheek or Tongue
A bite to the lip, cheek or tongue can look scary but will usually heal on its own. Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.
Broken Jaw
If you think you may have broken your jaw, go immediately to an emergency room. Trauma this severe will usually involve other areas of concern.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Bleeding for several minutes is normal after a baby tooth falls or is pulled out. To help stop the bleeding, the area needs firm constant pressure. Put a clean washcloth or piece of gauze over the bleeding area and bite down.