Emergency Treatment:

While our goal is to prevent dental emergencies, we understand that the need for urgent dental care is sometimes necessary and can be a stressful experience for both parents and children. We strive to handle dental emergencies promptly and with compassion.

What can I do about my child’s toothache?

Start by cleaning the area of the affected tooth.  Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water, brush, and use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted.  If the pain still exists, contact your child's dentist.  Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth.  Pain medications like aspirin, Tylenol, and Ibuprofen work best if swallowed.  Please follow the dosage instructions on the package.  If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact your dentist immediately.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek:

Rinse the mouth or area of injury with warm salt water or hydrogen peroxide diluted with water (50% water & 50% hydrogen peroxide). If the patient's lip or cheek is swollen, apply cold compresses. Take the patient to a dentist.  Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call your dentist, physician, or visit the hospital emergency room.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth:

If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water, milk, or saliva only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub, or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or cold milk, NOT water. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Knocked Out Baby Tooth:

Contact your pediatric dentist.  Unlike with a permanent tooth, the baby tooth should not be replanted in the socket due to possible damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath, however, prompt care by a dentist is recommended.

Chipped/Fractured Permanent Tooth:

Time is a critical factor, contact your pediatric dentist immediately to reduce the chance for infection or the need for extensive dental treatment in the future. Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.  If you can find the broken tooth piece, bring it with you to the dentist.

Chipped/Fractured Baby Tooth:

Contact your pediatric dentist.

Severe Blow to the Head:

Call 911 immediately or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw:

Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room or oral surgeon.

Broken Space Maintainers, Braces and Wires:

If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with wax. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheek, or tongue, do not remove it. Take the patient to a dentist immediately. Asymptomatic loose or broken appliances do not usually require emergency attention.