Pediatric Dentistry

Emergencies

ToothAche

Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm saltwater to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain and see a dentist as soon as possible.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.

Broken Braces and Wires

If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheek or tongue, DO NOT remove it. Take the child to a dentist immediately. Loose or broken appliances which do not bother the child do not usually require emergency attention.

Broken Tooth

Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water. Place a cold compress over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is necessary.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert the tooth in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. See a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

OTHER EMERGENCY CONDITIONS:

Possible Broken Jaw: If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving. Take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Bleeding After Baby Tooth Falls Out: Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once; if bleeding persists, see a dentist.

Cold / Canker Sores: Many children occasionally suffer from cold or canker sores. Usually over-the-counter preparations give some relief. Because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important to have a dental evaluation if these sores persist.

Abscess or infection: May appear as a small bubble or pimple on your child?s gums.Your dentist can prescribe antibiotics to dissipate the infection before final treatement. If your child is swollen please go to the hospital ASAP, since large infections that cause swelling can be dangerous in small children. Please contact our emergency number, if you are unable to reach us please contact any number on our additional emergency resources list.

In the case of an emergency you can contact us 24 hours at: 650-372-9292

Additional ER Numbers:

UCSF pediatric dentistry: 415-476-3276
Children?s Hospital Oakland: 510-428-3000
San Mateo County Dental Society: 650-637-1121