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FAQs: Emergency Tips
- What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?
- What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
- What should I do if my child's permanent tooth become chipped or fractured?
- What should I do if my child receives a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture or if a broken jaw is suspected?
- What should I do if my child has a toothache or sore gum?
- What should I do if my child has a cut (or bitten) lip (or cheek)?
Answers on Emergency Tips
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What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?
When baby teeth are knocked out, they are generally not re-implanted. However, you should still contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. It is important to have a dentist check out the child's mouth to make sure there are no additional damages to other areas of the mouth, such as the surrounding gum and teeth. (Back to top)
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What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub or clean with soap - use just water!) Handle the tooth by the top, not the root. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can't put the tooth back into the socket, place the tooth in milk, saliva, or water inside a clean container. Go to your pediatric dental office immediately. (Call the emergency number if it's after hours.) The faster you act, the better your chances are of saving the tooth. (Back to top)
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What should I do if my child's permanent tooth become chipped or fractured?
Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. If you can find broken tooth fragments, bring them with you to the dentist. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. Go to your dentist ASAP. (Back to top)
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What should I do if my child receives a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture or if a broken jaw is suspected?
A blow to the head can be life threatening. If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie, or handkerchief. Take your child immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital to have your child examined. (Back to top)
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What should I do if my child has a toothache or sore gum?
Clean the area around the sore tooth or gum. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with warm salt water. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not apply heat or aspirin to the sore area. Use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris if necessary. Call your pediatric dentist and visit the office promptly. (Back to top)
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What should I do if my child has a cut or bitten lip or cheek?
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure. If bleeding does not stop after 15 or so minutes, call your pediatric dentist immediately. (Back to top)
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE PAGES DO NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health.