First Aid

Common Dental Emergencies

If you or a loved one has a dental emergency, please contact our office immediately for instructions. Following is general information to get you through the initial response stages until you can reach our office or the emergency room:

• Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
• Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
• Broken Braces and Wires
• Broken or Injured Jaw
• Broken Tooth
• Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
• Tooth Ache

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Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out

Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes—if bleeding continues, contact us right away.

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Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

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Broken Braces and Wires

Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue; contact us immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.

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Broken or Injured Jaw

In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed by wrapping a towel, tie or scarf snugly around the head. Go immediately to an emergency room.

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Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments and place them in a cup of milk or fresh water. Get immediate dental attention.

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Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

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 in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, contact us immediately.

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Tooth Ache

Begin by cleaning the around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. NEVER place aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. This could create a painful sore.

In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken at the recommended dosage as long as there are no contraindications due to allergies or other medical conditions. Contact our office for an appointment as soon as possible.