We are available for dental emergencies after hours. Call our office number and we will address your concerns and treat your child as necessary, depending on the injury.
What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?
The baby tooth should not be replanted because of the potential for subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth. Contact Big Top as soon as possible.
What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?
Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub or clean it with soap –– use only water!) Try not to touch the root surface. If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk, saliva or water. Call the dental office immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.
What if the tooth appears to be displaced from its original position?
Contact Big Top immediately. If it is a baby tooth, we will want an Xray to make sure the baby tooth has not injured the permanent tooth developing under it.
If it is a permanent tooth, we may need to reposition and/or splint the tooth to prevent further injury.
What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?
Contact the dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling if the lip also was injured. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.
What about a severe blow to the head or a jaw fracture?
You need immediate medical attention. A severe head injury can be life threatening. Keep in mind that an emergency medical team might be able to reach you faster than you can get to the hospital. A head injury or jaw fracture is much more urgent than a dental injury and should be addressed first.
What if my child has a toothache?
Call Big Top and visit the office promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Over-the-counter children’s pain medication, dosed according to your child’s weight and age, might ease the symptoms. You may apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth to the face in the area of the pain, but do not put heat, topical medications such as Orajel, or aspirin on the sore area.
Can dental injuries be prevented?
Your child’s risk for dental injuries can be reduced greatly by following a few simple suggestions. First, reduce risk for severe oral injury in sports by wearing protective gear, including a mouthguard. Second, always use a car seat for young children and require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, childproof your home to prevent falls and electrical injuries. Regular dental check-ups provide Dr. Trueblood an opportunity to discuss additional age-appropriate preventive strategies with your child.