Tooth Ache
Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth vigorously to displace any food that might be trapped within the cavity. Use dental floss to remove any food or material lodged between the teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you place aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues. In the event of facial swelling, apply
a cold compress to the area. Do not use heat! For temporary relief of pain, acetaminophen or ibuprofen is recommended. See a dentist as soon as possible.
Orthodontic Problems (Braces and Retainers)
A. If the tip of an orthodontic wire is causing irritation, use the eraser end of a pencil and attempt to push or bend the offending wire toward the teeth or gums. If unsuccessful, cover the end of the wire with a small cotton ball or a piece of gauze and take the individual to the dentist.
B. If an orthodontic wire is imbedded in the cheek, tongue, or gum tissues, take the individual to the dentist immediately. DO NOT attempt to remove it!
C. If an orthodontic appliance or retainer is loose or broken, take the individual and the broken piece to the dentist.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure to the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding continues longer than 15 minutes or the bite is severe, take the individual to the dentist immediately.
Broken Tooth
Try to clean dirt or debris from the injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses on the face next to the injured tooth to minimize swelling. Recover any broken tooth fragments and get immediate dental attention.
Knocked Out Tooth
Recover the tooth. If the tooth is permanent, hold the tooth by the crown (top) and avoid touching or handling the root end. Gently rinse any loose dirt and debris from the tooth and immediately replace and reposition the tooth in the socket. Hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If unable to reposition the tooth, store the tooth in (1) milk, (2) inside the patient's cheek, or (3) as a last resort, water. Take the individual to the dentist IMMEDIATELY. Time is crucial and immediate treatment is essential to reimplant the tooth successfully.
If the tooth is primary (baby tooth), the tooth can not be successfully reimplanted or saved. However, it is still important for the individual to see his pediatric dentist for evaluation.
Objects Wedged Between the Teeth
Try to remove the object with dental floss. Guide the floss in carefully so as not to cut the gums. If unsucessful, take the individual to a dentist. DO NOT try to remove the object with sharp or pointed objects.
Other Emergency Conditions:
Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Take the individual immediately to an oral surgeon or hospital 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 pediatric dentist.
Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, visit your dentist.