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EMERGENCIES If your child has suffered a head injury with loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, altered mental status, prolonged or worsening headache, seizures or blurred vision or numbness, call 911 immediately. KNOCKED OUT PERMANENT TOOTH This is a true dental emergency because there is a 20-30 minute opportunity to save the tooth. If the tooth can be placed back in the socket within this time frame, it may be saved for many years. Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, place it in a cup of milk or your child’s saliva. Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately. If your school nurse or sports team coach has a “Save-A-Tooth” container, put the tooth in that container and seek dental care immediately. BROKEN TOOTH Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Attempt to recover any broken tooth fragments. Get immediate dental attention. If the nerve is exposed, the tooth should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible; if the nerve is not exposed or has only a minor chip, it may be seen the next day. Always contact your dentist to determine if your child needs to be seen and how quickly. TOOTH ACHE Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. Swelling indicates an immediate emergency usually requiring antibiotic therapy. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen or other over the counter pain medication is recommended. Contact the dentist as soon as possible. CUT OR BITTEN TONGUE, LIP OR CHEEK Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. Cool pops can also be considered. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure consider a wet tea bag which contains chemicals to help stop bleeding. Go to an emergency room if bleeding will not stop. POSSIBLE BROKEN JAW In the event of jaw injury, immobilize the mouth. A towel, tie or handkerchief may be helpful. Go immediately to an emergency room. OTHER URGENT CONDITIONS: BLEEDING AFTER A Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, see a dentist. COLD OR CANKER SORES Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. Avoid acidic foods like orange juice or tomato juice. If sores persist, visit your dentist. These ulcers may be contagious – therefore any medications applied should be with a Q-tip or other applicator. Your child has suffered an injury to one (or more) of the primary incisors. This sheet is intended to help you understand what you can expect to happen, plus what may occur that will indicate that the tooth is taking a less favorable course. YOU CAN EXPECT THE FOLLOWING REACTIONS: 1. Change in color of the tooth The tooth (teeth) could darken over a period of time, eventually turning quite dark. Usually the color will be a charcoal gray, although it may be brown, yellow or a lighter color. This may begin to lighten again, returning t a color similar to how the tooth appeared before the injury, but not quite as snow white. Should teeth (tooth) remain dark for past 2 months, the nerve may be dead and require a dental evaluation and possibly an X-ray. 2. Looseness The bone that supports the tooth has been expanded by the injury, which will make the tooth looser than normal. If the bone returns to a normal position, the tooth will usually also tighten up again. If it stays loose after two months, an evaluation and X-ray are indicated. 3. Bleeding and swelling after injury As with any injury, the normal reaction of the injured tissues (in this case, the gums and/or lips) will bleed and/or swell. A cold pack (a washcloth is good) will help decrease that swelling. A more fun way to apply cold is by having the child suck on cool pops for a few hours. 4. Pain Fortunately, children do not usually suffer much pain from injuries to teeth. Occasionally there will be pain if the child tries to chew with the injured tooth. As with any injury, the area should be “babied” to avoid aggravating the injury. Over the counter pain medication could be indicated. YOU SHOULD WATCH FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: 1. Change in eating or sleeping habits If your child’s normal eating patterns change (in particular I he/she complains when chewing or drinking something cold) or if your child is not sleeping, another evaluation is appropriate. 2. Gum boils This will appear on the gums in the area above the tooth. Gum boils look like a small blister or pimple on the gums and indicate a dead nerve needing care. 3. Increased swelling, looseness or pain If any of the “expected reactions” do not improve the area should be re-examined with possibly an X-ray taken. PLEASE – IF IN DOUBT, CALL OUR OFFICE ABOUT YOUR CHILD SO THAT WE MAY HELP. |
