It helps to know what to do in any of these situations.
Cut/Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Apply ice. If there is bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of gentle pressure with a clean gauze, take the child to a hospital emergency room.
Knocked Out Tooth
Find the tooth and handle by the top (crown), not the root. You may rinse the tooth, but DON’T clean or handle unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it into its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, transport it in a cup of milk or water. Call Dr. Rula immediately. Time is critical in saving the tooth.
Broken Tooth
Rinse the area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Call Dr. Rula.
Toothache
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse with warm salt water and use floss to dislodge trapped food. DON’T place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and call Dr. Rula.
Bleeding After Losing Baby Tooth
Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite down on it with pressure for 15 minutes. Repeat once. If bleeding persists, call Dr. Rula.
