Injuries to the teeth or untreated toothaches may affect your child's tooth or mouth development. If your child has a toothache or injures his/her teeth, bring him/her to the dentist as soon as possible. Below are suggestions until you go to a dentist:
Toothache:
- Place a cold compress on the cheek over the swollen area
Broken tooth:
- Gently clean any dirt or debris from the injured area with lukewarm water
- Apply cold compress or ice to the face over the injured area to keep the swelling down
Knocked-out tooth:
A baby tooth should not be replanted back into the gum (treat injury as above).
A permanent tooth can be replanted if you move quickly:
- Locate the tooth and HANDLE IT BY THE CROWN (the part you see in the mouth) not by the root.
- If dirty, rinse the tooth with saline, saliva or cold milk. DO NOT SCRUB OR USE CLEANING AGENT.
- Examine the root for a fracture or crack, if present stop. IF NO FRACTURE IS PRESENT, GENTLY REPLACE THE TOOTH INTO THE SOCKET with gentle finger pressure. Hold it in place until you can see a dentist.
- If unable to replant the tooth, place it in the mouth beside your cheek or in a cup of cold milk or if not available in cold water. See your dentist at once. Preferably within 30 minutes.
- Your dentist may need to stabilize the tooth for 2 to 3 weeks. A soft food diet is recommended for 5 days. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if the tooth was contaminated. Your family physician may give you a tetanus booster if required.
Remember
THE SOONER THE TOOTH IS REPLACED THE BETTER THE CHANCES ARE FOR REPLACEMENT
ACT QUICKLY
KEEP THE TOOTH MOIST
SEE YOUR DENTIST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
For more information call 625-5984.