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What should you
do if:
- You have a
toothache?
- Your child’s
tooth is knocked out?
- You’re
bleeding from a mouth injury?
You need to act
quickly in a dental emergency. Here's what to do:
If a toothache develops:
1. Clean the painful area using a toothbrush and floss.
2. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water.
3. Apply a cold compress to any facial swelling.
4. Take acetaminophen (for example Tylenol®). Do not
place an aspirin on the gums or tooth as this may cause
a burn.
5. Call your dentist as soon as possible.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out:
1. Immediately call your dentist for an emergency
appointment.
2. Get the person and the tooth to the dental office
within 30 minutes. This makes it possible to re-implant
the tooth with a high degree of success.
3. If possible, gently place the tooth back in its
socket for the trip to the dentist. Otherwise, transport
the tooth in a cup of milk, salt water, or saliva. If
these aren’t available, use a cup of plain water. You
may also place the tooth between the cheek and gum
(unless the child is too young).
If a tooth is loosened and pushed either inward or
outward:
1. Try to reposition it using very little pressure. Do
not force the tooth into its socket.
2. Get the injured person to a dentist as soon as
possible.
3. The tooth may be stabilized and held in place with a
moist tissue or gauze.
If a tooth is broken:
1. Rinse the mouth with warm water to keep it clean.
2. Immediately call your dentist for an emergency
appointment. Treatment will depend on the severity of
the fracture. It could range from smoothing out the chip
to bonding with a tooth colored resin material, to
placing a crown or cap of the tooth. If there has been
pulp (nerve) injury, a root canal may be necessary as
well.
If the tongue, lips or cheeks are bitten, cut or
punctured and bleeding:
1. Apply firm pressure with gauze or a clean cloth.
2. If bleeding doesn't stop within 15 minutes, contact
your dentist immediately. Stitches may be necessary.
3. If bleeding stops within 15 minutes, clean the area
with either warm water on gauze or a clean cloth. Apply
an ice compress to the bruised or swollen area and
contact your dentist for further instructions.
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