Dental Emergencies

DENTAL EMERGENCIES
(and what to do about them)

Ask your physician about acceptable medicines for your child. Usually swelling and pain is involved with dental problems. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a pain reliever but it does not reduce swelling. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) is preferred because it is a very good pain reliever and it reduces swelling and inflammation as well as reducing fevers.

Adult tooth knocked out:
This is a true dental emergency. If the tooth stays dry for over one half hour, the tooth will most likely fall out eventually. So, IMMEDIATELY replace the tooth into the socket. If it is dirty, gently wash off the root surface before replacing. If replacement is not possible, QUICKLY put the tooth in saliva or milk. ALWAYS go to a dentist AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Baby tooth knocked out:
Put under a pillow and wait for the Tooth Fairy.

Adult tooth knocked very loose:
Push it back into place, if possible. See a dentist right away to hold it in place.

Baby tooth knocked loose and tooth moved so they can’t bite normally:

Gently push it back in place. If it doesn’t move, see a dentist soon to have it removed.

Tooth bumped and loose, gums bleeding, but not out of position:
Take ibuprofen, but not an emergency. The tooth may darken with time.

Chipped tooth:
Take ibuprofen and get to dentist soon if the pulp shows. You may need a root canal. Dentist may be able to glue the piece back on, so put the piece in water and bring it.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek:
If face is swollen or bruised, apply cold compresses. Commonly white color where chewed. If there is bleeding apply firm but gentle pressure with a cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call a doctor.

Toothache:
Avoid sweets, keep it clean, swallow ibuprofen, DO NOT put aspirin on the tooth or gum, try some drug-store filling stuff, and see a dentist soon.

Swollen gums:
This could be a virus infection, food under the gum, or an abscessed tooth. Take ibuprofen, floss and brush well, and see a dentist.

Teething:
Use pain medicine to rub on gums (Oragel type) if a chew toy doesn’t help.