Dental emergencies can be frightening for your child, and our dental family is always here to help your child find relief in those emergencies as quickly as possible. Below you will find information on some of the most common dental emergencies your child may encounter. If you are unsure about how to attend to your child's dental emergency, we suggest you seek medical attention immediately or call us at 610.409.1940.
TOOTHACHE
Clean the area of your child's affected tooth thoroughly. Have them rinse their mouth vigorously with warm water, or have them/you use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris. We recommend not placing aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If your child's face is swollen, apply a cold compress and contact us immediately.
CUT TONGUE, LIP OR CHEEK
Apply ice to your child's affected area(s). If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If the bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the emergency room.
KNOCKED OUT PERMANENT TOOTH
If possible, find your child's knocked-out tooth. When handling the found tooth, you will need to hold it by the crown and be careful not to touch the root portion of the tooth. DO NOT wash or handle the tooth excessively. Inspect your child's tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in its socket. Hold the tooth in place by having your child gently bite on a gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert your child's tooth, place the tooth in a cup containing your child's saliva, or milk, but not water. Your child must see us immediately after knocking out a permanent tooth. Time is a critical factor in saving your child's tooth.
KNOCKED-OUT BABY TOOTH
Contact us at 610.409.1940. Unlike a permanent tooth, your child's baby tooth should not be replanted due to possible damage to the developing permanent tooth. In most cases, no treatment is necessary.
CHIPPED/FRACTURED PERMANENT TOOTH
Time is a critical factor, contact us immediately to reduce the chance of infection or the need for extensive dental treatment for your child. Rinse your child's mouth with water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you can find their broken tooth piece, bring it with you to the dentist in a glass of milk, or child's saliva. Do not use water to transport your child's chipped tooth.
CHIPPED OR FRACTURED BABY TOOTH
Contact us at 610.409.1490.
SEVERE BLOW TO THE HEAD
Call 911 immediately or take your child to the nearest emergency room.
POSSIBLE BROKEN OR FRACTURED JAW
Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest emergency room.