Pediatric Dental Emergencies

We’ve all been there. The back door flies open, you hear little feet, running and, worst of all, you hear not a small amount of crying and screaming. Something has happened, you just don’t know what. The most important thing to remember? Whether it’s a skinned knee or elbow, a split lip or a chipped tooth – very often it’s not as bad as it seems. So reacting calmly will go a long way toward easing the situation right off the bat. Next, calmly and gently administer first aid to the best of your ability and, if necessary, seek out professional medical or dental care.

Here are some proven suggestions for some of the most frequent dental emergencies*:

Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain still exists, contact your child’s dentist. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact Dr. Singh and Bullard immediately.

Cut Or Bitten Tongue, Lip Or Cheek: Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call Dr. Singh and Bullard or visit the hospital emergency room.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see our office IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Knocked Out Baby Tooth: Contact Dr. Singh and Bullard during business hours. This is not usually an emergency, and in most cases, no treatment is necessary.

Chipped Or Fractured Permanent Tooth: Contact Dr. Singh and Bullard immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If possible, locate and save any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you to the dentist.

Chipped Or Fractured Baby Tooth: Contact Dr. Singh and Bullard immediately.

Possible Broken Or Fractured Jaw: Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room. Contact Dr. Singh and Bullard immediately.

*When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Singh and Bullard at 317-580-9199 or 911. These suggestions are in no way intended to replace proper medical or dental care and advice.