How to Handle Common Tooth Emergencies

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Dental emergencies happen when we least expect them.  Fortunately, we are here to help.  If your child chips, fractures or loses a tooth, contacting our office can help prevent infection and even save the tooth.  Here are a few tips to help you manage before you get to our office.

Common Dental Emergencies:

• Toothaches - Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water.  Use dental floss to remove any food that might have lodged itself between teeth.  If their mouth is swollen, apply a cold compress and contact our office.
• Chipped Tooth - For kids, contact sports are among the most common reasons for chipped teeth.  If your child chips their tooth, save any pieces and have them rinse their mouth with warm water.  Give us a call as soon as possible.
• Lost Tooth - If your child loses a permanent tooth, rinse the tooth with water if it is dirty, but do not scrub it.  If possible, try to put the tooth back in place.  

If you want to schedule an appointment, give us a call!  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check out our YouTube channel!

Urgent Dental Care FAQ Answered

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Is your child in need of urgent dental care? This is where your pediatric dentist comes in! Please keep our emergency number convenient and available at all times just in case emergency arises.

Here are a few FAQ’s answered about emergency dental situations. If you have any additional questions you need answered, please contact us at any time.

What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?

Contact your dentist office as soon as possible.

What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?

Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub it or clean it with soap – use just water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Get to the pediatric dental office immediately. (Call the emergency number if it’s after hours.) The faster you act the better chance you have of saving the tooth.

What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?

Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.

What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?

Go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital. A blow to the head can be life threatening.

What if my child has a toothache?

Call your pediatric dentist and visit the office promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

Can dental injuries be prevented?

Absolutely! First, reduce oral injury in sports by wearing mouth guards. Second, always use a car seat for young children. Require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, child-proof your home to prevent falls, electrical injuries, and choking on small objects. Fourth, protect your child from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits and preventative care.