If your child needs emergency treatment, please call us as early in the day as possible. After office hours, we are available for current patients of our practice. Please call the office and the answering machine will give you the contact number to page Drs. Berg, Lawrence or Weng.

Injuries to the mouth, face and teeth happen frequently in children. There are a few things a parent can do to evaluate the emergency and make your child more comfortable.

Remaining calm and taking prompt action will help minimize the damaging effects of the injury, and lessen your child's discomfort and anxiety. If the injury causes them to lose consciousness even for a brief moment, your child should see a physician immediately and worry about the mouth and teeth later. Try to stop any bleeding with a clean washcloth or gauze. As you do this, check for broken teeth and/or missing teeth. If there are missing teeth, look for them.

Broken Tooth
Gently clean or rinse dirt from the area around the break. To minimize lip or facial swelling, place a cold compress on the face in the area of the broken tooth. If the fracture is more than one-half of the tooth, or you see a pink/red dot in the center of the tooth, see the dentist immediately.

Knocked Out Tooth
For permanent teeth - Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it in cold water, but DO NOT scrub or handle the root unnecessarily. Try to replace the tooth into the socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by closing on a gauze pad or washcloth. If it is not possible to replace the tooth, place the tooth in a cup of milk, or if this is not available, cool water. Go to the dentist or emergency room immediately. Time is important for saving the tooth.

For primary (baby) teeth - Teeth are not re-implanted; but make sure the teeth are not intruded (push up in the socket such that you can see them).

Toothaches
Clean the area around the tooth. Rinse the mouth with water, brush gently with a toothbrush and use dental floss to remove any trapped food between the teeth. DO NOT place aspirin on the gums or tooth. This will cause a burn to the gum tissues. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. If there is swelling, apply cold compress to the outside of the face; your child may need antibiotics, please call us immediately.

Bitten Tongue or Lip or Cheek
If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Apply an ice compress to the injured area. If bleeding does not stop, go to a hospital emergency room.

Possible Broken Jaw
Do not move the jaw. Stabilize the jaw by tying a towel, necktie, etc., over the top of the head. Apply cold compresses. Go to an oral surgeon or hospital emergency room immediately.

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a gauze pad or clean washcloth over the bleeding area. Keep it in place for 15 minutes, then repeat as necessary.

Cold or Canker Sores
Some children will get these periodically. Over the counter medications will usually provide relief (Zilactin or Orabase). If they persist or are extreme, see the dentist.

Orthodontic Emergencies
You may be able to temporarily solve many orthodontic problems, by yourself, until you schedule a repair appointment with our office. If you feel you are unable to handle a problem on your own, please call us as soon as possible for guidance.

Loose Band or Bracket
If the band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If it is uncomfortable, place wax on it. If it comes out completely, save it and bring in into the office.

Loose Wire
Try to place the wire back in place with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip the wire with a fingernail clipper behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If there is any discomfort, place wax on it.

Poking Wire
Try to push the sticking wire down with a spoon or eraser. If that is not possible, place wax on it.

Lost Tiewire or Elastic Tie or Donut
Notify us at the next appointment.

Soreness
Use Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol®).