Oral Health Information for Parents and Kids
Oral Health Information for Parents
When Quick Action Counts
Toothache
- Rinse out mouth vigorously with warm water.
- Use dental floss to remove any food trapped between teeth. If there's swelling, place cold compresses on the outside of the cheek. Do not use heat or place aspirin on aching tooth or gums.
- See dentist as soon as possible.
Object Wedged Between Teeth
- Try to remove object with dental floss. Guide the floss carefully to prevent cutting gums.
- If you can't remove the object, see a dentist.
- Do not try to remove the object with a sharp or pointed instrument / article.
Knocked-out Tooth
Bring the child and tooth to a dentist immediately
- Place the tooth in a container of milk, saltwater or the child's saliva.
- If these are unavailable, use water.
- Gently rinse the tooth in warm water. Do not touch the root.
- Permanent tooth: Carefully insert the tooth back in place.
- Baby Tooth: Do not try to pack a baby tooth back in the socket. Place in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dentist.
- See your dentist within 30 minutes if possible.
Broken Tooth
- Gently clean dirt or debris from injured area with warm water.
- Place cold compresses on the face, in the area of the injured tooth, to minimize swelling.
- Go to the dentist immediately!
- Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth.
Bitten Lip or Tongue
- Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth.
- If swelling is present, apply cold compresses.
- If bleeding continues, go to a hospital emergency room.
