First Aid for Dental Emergencies

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Find tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert the tooth in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk, water or saline solution. See Dr. Anglin IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Toothache
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain and see Dr. Anglin as soon as possible.

Broken Tooth
Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. See Dr. Anglin immediately.

Other Emergency Conditions:
Possible Broken Jaw: If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie, or handkerchief, then take the child to a hospital emergency room.

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out:
Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite firmly for 15 minutes. This can be repeated once; if bleeding persists, contact Dr. Anglin's office.

For all other emergencies, please contact
Dr. Anglin's office at 988-9800