Toothache

It’s never nice seeing your child in pain. A persistent toothache will need a visit to the dentist so we can determine the best way to help your child feel comfortable again. In the meantime, try to clean the area with the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and/or use dental floss to dislodge any food or debris that may be stuck. If necessary, you can give your child what you would normally give them for pain, such as Motrin or Tylenol.

Chipped Tooth

If a tooth is fractured, often we can repair it to restore both aesthetics and function. If possible, save the tooth (or fragments), wrap it in a wet cloth or gauze, and we will get to work on fixing your child’s smile. If the nerve was exposed as a result of the fracture, it will need protection to maintain its vitality. If the tooth were to become non-vital at some point down the line, root canal therapy can be performed at that time.

Tooth Knocked Out

Baby Tooth

If a primary tooth is knocked out (avulsed), do not try to place it back in the mouth. If a baby tooth is knocked out, we do not recommend replanting the primary tooth for risk of damaging the developing permanent tooth underneath. Instead, let your child place their tooth under the pillow for the tooth fairy and give them a cold treat. A popsicle may help reduce inflammation and slow any bleeding. And don’t forget to call us to make an appointment for an evaluation!

Permanent Tooth

Unlike a baby tooth that is knocked out, adult teeth should be placed back into the socket as soon as possible. Time is very important to save the tooth. These are some steps to help a knocked-out permanent tooth:

1.     Find the tooth immediately. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white chewing surface) and try to avoid touching the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse with water but do not scrub

2.     If possible, reposition the in tooth in its socket. The faster it is replaced, the greater the likelihood it will survive. To do this, carefully push the tooth into the socket with your finger and keep it in place by gently biting down on a damp cloth. Double check to make sure the tooth was placed in the proper orientation.

3.     If the tooth cannot be re-implanted, keep it moist at all times. The tooth must no be left outside the mouth to dry. Here are some options to store the tooth in:
a.     Emergency tooth preservation kit (such as Save-a-Tooth)
b.     Milk or Saliva in a cup
c.     If the child is old enough, the tooth can be carried in their mouth next to their cheek
d.     Regular tap-water is not recommended for long-term storage. Only use water if the above options are not available
4.     Call the office as soon as possible. We will make sure the tooth was properly re-implanted and stabilize the tooth with a special wire.

Head Injury/Head Trauma