Emergencies

For Emergencies, Please Call 801- 489-1301


What to do in case of an emergency:

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 the face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take Ibuprofen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.

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. Take the child to a hospital emergency room if bleeding does not stop or controlled after 15 minutes of simple pressure.

KNOCKED-OUT PERMANENT TOOTH

Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk. See the dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

BROKEN BRACES AND WIRES

Remove the broken appliance if possible. If not, cover the sharp or protruding portion with dental wax, cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum. DO NOT remove any wires that are stuck in the gums, cheek or tongue. Take the child to a dentist immediately. Emergency attention is not usually required if the broken appliance does not bother the child.

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. Immediate dental attention is necessary.

POSSIBLE BROKEN JAW

If you suspect a fractured jaw, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel or handkerchief, and then take the child to the nearest emergency room.

BLEEDING AFTER BABY TOOTH FALLS OUT

Fold and pack clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. Repeat once: if bleeding persists, see a dentist.

COLD/CANKER SORES

Many children occasionally suffer from "cold" or "canker" sores. Usually over-the-counter preparations give relief. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important to have a dental evaluation if these sores persist.

Source: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry