Dental first aid

Dental injuries are always unexpected and are best prevented. Calm and quick action can help reduce a child's fear and pain.

Chipped or Broken tooth

Rinse the tooth with warm water to gently clean as much dirt off as possible. Apply a cold compress on the outside of the mouth or cheek to keep the swelling down. The compress should be applied for fifteen minutes at a time.

A fifteen-minute break is recommended before replacing the compress.

Take your child to the dentist immediately.

Knocked out Adult Tooth

Rush both the child and the tooth to the dentist. A knocked out adult tooth can sometimes be replanted, if treated carefully.

Pick up and hold the knocked-out tooth by the enamel only. Do not touch the root.

Place the tooth in a container of milk or water or gently try to place the tooth back in the socket, if possible. The tooth should only be placed back in the socket if there is no risk of the child swallowing or aspirating the tooth.

Knocked out a Baby Tooth

Take your child and the tooth to the dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will want to see if the whole tooth came out.

Toothache

Take your child to the dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, encourage your child to rinse their mouth with warm salt water. If swelling is present, apply cold compresses to the cheek. Again, the compresses should be used in the fifteen minutes on, fifteen minutes off format. Never use heat or aspirin on the gum or on an aching tooth.