When trauma to the mouth involves the teeth, use the following guidelines to evaluate the health of the teeth and determine if you need to seek further treatment.

BABY TEETH

Call our office if:
  • the loosened tooth does not tighten up in 2-4 weeks
  • the tooth remains sore or sensitive after 2-4 weeks
  • the tooth turns dark or discolors and remains dark after 2 months (may darken the first month and lighten the second month)
  • otherwise, we will check the tooth at the next recall visit

PERMANENT TEETH

Call our office if:

  • the loosened tooth does not tighten up in 2-4 weeks
  • the tooth remains sore or sensitive
  • the tooth turns dark or discolors, call immediately (this could occur up to 1 year after the trauma)
  • otherwise, we will check the tooth at the next recall visit

Tooth Ache

Begin by cleaning the around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended. See a dentist as soon as possible.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

Broken Braces and Wires

Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue; see a dentist immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial are of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Get immediate dental attention.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top), and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately.

Other Emergency Conditions:

Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes—if bleeding continues, see a dentist.

Cold or Canker Sores
 Over the counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, visit your dentist.