Dental traumas are often much harder on parents than they are on kids. When an accident or issue arises, it is best to call right away. We’ll help you figure out how to respond and keep your child comfortable until staff are available to provide care. In some cases, the dental trauma may need immediate attention or be severe enough that a visit to the local emergency room may be necessary. If you have doubts or nagging concerns, it is best to call us right away at 320.257.3380.
We’ve included basic guidelines for some of the more common issues and accidents below.
KNOCKED-OUT PERMANENT TOOTH:
The tooth should be handled by the crown. If debris is present on the root, gently rinse it with water. Do not scrub or remove attached tissue. If possible, reimplant the tooth immediately. Otherwise, preserve the tooth using a Save-A-Tooth kit from your pharmacy, a cup of milk or the child’s saliva. Call our office immediately.
TOOTHACHE:
Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water. Use dental floss to remove any food that may be trapped between teeth. If the pain continues, call our office.
BROKEN TOOTH/KNOCKED OUT BABY TOOTH:
Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress. Preserve the fragments/tooth using a Save-A-Tooth kit from your pharmacy, a cup of milk or the child’s saliva. Call our office immediately.
BLEEDING AFTER LOSS OF BABY TOOTH:
Pack gauze over the bleeding area. Have your child bite gauze for 15 minutes. Repeat once if necessary. If bleeding continues, call our office.
BROKEN BRACE/WIRES:
If the broken piece can be removed easily, do so. If not, cover sharp edges with cotton, gauze or gum. If the loose/broken appliance does not bother your child, it most likely does not require emergency attention.
COLD/CANKER SORES:
Applying vitamin E oil may provide relief for the occasional sore. Some serious diseases begin as sores, so it is important to see your dentist if they persist.
BITTEN TONGUE/LIP:
Clean gently with a cloth and apply a cold compress. If bleeding is excessive or doesn’t stop in a short amount of time, call our office or go to the emergency room.
