Dental First Aid

Toothache

• Do not use heat

• If swelling is present, place cold compress to the outside of the cheek 
• Do not place a pain reliever on the gum tissue of the aching tooth
• Go see a dentist

Knocked-out tooth

• A knocked-out tooth can be re-implanted if the child receives medical/dental help quickly
• Apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding from the socket of the tooth. Have the child bite down on a thick pad placed in the socket
• Seat the child with the head forward so blood can drain out of the mouth
• Place the tooth in a cup of milk. If milk is not available, the tooth may be preserved in a saline solution or wrapped in a plastic wrap kept moist with the child's saliva
• Handle the tooth by the top, do not touch the root
• Give ongoing care and get medical help. If the knocked-out tooth is the only injury, get the child to a dentist as quickly as possible for the best chance of re-implanting the tooth

Warning! Do not:

• Use an antiseptic solution to clean the tooth
• Wash out the mouth when the bleeding has stopped - this may disturb the blood clots making the injury bleed again

Broken or bumped tooth

• Try to clean dirt or debris from injured area with warm water
• Place cold compresses on face next to injured tooth to minimize swelling
• Check for broken tooth chips, fragments in lips, cheeks, etc
• Take child to the dentist immediately

Bitten tongue or lip

• Apply direct pressure to bleeding area with a clean cloth
• If swelling is present, apply cold compresses
• If bleeding does not stop immediately or the bite is severe, take the child to the hospital emergency room

Possible fractured jaw

• Place the conscious child in a sitting position with head well forward to allow any fluids to drain freely
• Support the jaw with a soft pad held in place by hands, not with a bandage - don't bandage the mouth closed
• Keep the jaw still while you await medical assistance; this helps minimize pain and prevents further damage