If your child has bitten their lip or tongue severely enough to cause bleeding, clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress (a cold, wet towel or washcloth pressed firmly against the area) to reduce or avoid swelling. Give us a call to help determine how serious the bite is.

If your child has something caught between their teeth, use dental floss to gently remove it. Never use a metal, plastic or sharp tool to remove a stuck object. If you are unable to remove the item with dental floss, give us a call.

If you suspect your child has sustained a broken jaw, use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call our emergency number and/or go to the hospital immediately. In many cases, a broken jaw is the result of a blow to the head. Severe blows to the head can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It is important that your child is seen by a neurologist for head fracture before the broken jaw is addressed.

If your child has chipped or broken a piece of their tooth off, have them rinse their mouth with warm water, then use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If possible, locate and save the tooth fragment that broke off. Call us immediately.

If your child complains of a toothache, rinse their mouth with warm water and inspect their teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them. If pain continues, use a cold compress to ease the pain. Do not apply heat or any kind of aspirin or topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, as this can cause damage to the gums. Children’s pain relievers may be taken orally. Call us immediately to schedule an appointment.