Accidents happen and in the event something happens to your child’s teeth remember the four following things.

REMAIN CALM

QUICK ACTION

KEEP MOIST

SEE DENTIST

What should I do if my child knocked out a permanent tooth?

Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk. Primary, or baby teeth are not generally replaced into the socket, however prompt care by the dentist is recommended.

What should I do if my child has a broken tooth?

Rinse dirt from the broken area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face of the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is necessary.

What do I do if my child has cut or bitten their tongue, lip or cheek?

Apply ice to the bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply form but gentile pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take to hospital emergency room.

What do I do if my child has a toothache?

Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply cold compresses. Take the child to the dentist.