Dental Emergencies

The following are some general guidelines to follow for common dental problems:

• If your child's baby tooth gets knocked out, apply pressure to the area if there is bleeding. Contact your child's dentist as soon as possible.

• If your child's permanent tooth gets knocked out, if possible, locate the tooth and rinse it in cold water. Place the tooth back into the socket, or area in the mouth, where it came from and hold it there. If this cannot be done, place the tooth in a clean holder with milk, saliva, or water. Take your child to the dentist immediately. There is a chance the tooth can be saved if treatment is immediate.

• If your child chips a tooth, rinse your child's mouth with cold water. If your child's lip has also been injured, put cold compresses on the area to help with the swelling. If you can locate the piece of tooth, bring it to the dentist. Take your child to the dentist as soon as possible. Immediate treatment can help prevent infection and decrease the need for further dental work.

• If your child has a toothache, rinse the mouth with cool water and apply a cool compress to the child's face in the area of the toothache. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area. Make an appointment with your child's dentist as soon as possible.

How can I help prevent dental injuries?

The following are some suggestions to help prevent dental injuries:

• Have your child wear mouthguards during sport activities.

• Always have your child in a seatbelt or car seat.

• Childproof your home to help prevent falls and other injuries.

• Have your child visit the dentist on a regular basis.