Dental Emergencies

Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.

Baby Tooth

DO NOT PUT THE BABY TOOTH BACK IN ITS SOCKET. IT CAN DAMAGE THE PERMANENT TOOTH UNDERNEATH.

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Permanent Tooth

Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT scrub it. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. See a pediatric dentist specialist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. Cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum if it cannot. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheeks, or tongue, DO NOT remove it. Take the child to a pediatric dentist in Mclean VA immediately. Loose or broken appliances that do not bother the child don’t usually require emergency attention.

If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie, or handkerchief. Then take the child to the nearest emergency pediatric dentistry or book a pediatric dentist appointment if the situation isn’t too severe.

Rinse dirt from the injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. If the tooth is broken due to trauma locate and save any broken tooth fragments and keep it in the water. Immediate attention of one of the best pediatric dental specialists is necessary.
 

Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. Confused? Reach out to our emergency dentist in DC.