Emergency Care​

Facial swelling?

• Apply a cold compress to the area.
• See your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek?

• Apply ice 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, contact your pediatric dentist immediately.

Broken Tooth

• Rinse the area with cold water.
• Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury.
• Place your child on Ibuprofen every 8 hours for 48 hours.
• Contact your pediatric dentist immediately and bring any broken tooth fragments with your child.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth!

• You may be able to save the tooth if you act immediately.
• Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end.
• Rinse with cold, sterile water. If sterile water is not available, hold the tooth by its crown and very gently wipe the root on the child’s tongue to clean the root surface. Do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary.
• Place the tooth back in the socket within 5 minutes 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 cold milk.
• Contact your pediatric dentist or the nearest emergency room immediately.

I Think They Have a Broken Jaw!

• Tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie, or handkerchief.
• Contact your pediatric dentist or go to an emergency room immediately.

My Child is Bleeding After Their Baby Tooth Fell Out!

• Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area.
• Have your child bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes
• If bleeding continues, see your pediatric dentist.

My Child has a Cold Sore or Canker Sore

• You’re in luck! Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief.
• If sores persist, visit your pediatric dentist to ensure any underlying problems are assessed thoroughly.

Uh Oh! We’ve Got Loose (or Lost) Fillings or Crowns

• Save the filling or crown and contact your pediatric dentist immediately.
• If a crown comes loose, the area should be assessed by your pediatric dentist within 1 to 2 days to prevent movement of the adjacent or opposing teeth.