We know there’s never a good time for a dental emergency. They can arise while eating, playing, exercising, and participating in seemingly harmless activities. Oral injuries often hurt and should be evaluated and addressed in our Jefferson City dental office as soon as possible. Here are some tips from Stadium Dental Center about what to do in case you or your child have a dental emergency.

What are dental emergencies and how can I help my children avoid them?

Dental emergencies may involve a tooth breaking, cracking, becoming loosened, or being knocked completely out of the socket. Other urgent conditions include crowns coming off teeth or injuries to soft tissues in the mouth. You can help your children avoid dental emergencies through simple precautions, including making sure they wear sports mouthguards during games or practices and avoid foods that could crack or break the teeth.

What should I do if my child’s tooth is knocked out?

The best chance your child’s tooth has of surviving dental trauma is if you see Dr. Cardon within one hour of the injury—so call immediately to be seen promptly. Avoid handling the tooth by the root (the tapered part); touching the root could harm cells that need to remain alive to reattach the tooth to the bone.

Gently rinse the tooth in water to remove dirt, but don’t scrub it. Place the clean tooth in your child’s mouth between the cheek and gum to keep it moist. It is important not to let the tooth dry out, so if your child can’t keep it in his or her mouth, immerse it in milk or the child’s own saliva until you get to our Jefferson City dental office.

If your child has a baby tooth knocked out, the tooth shouldn’t be replanted. However, you and your child should visit our office as soon as convenient to ensure no broken pieces of the tooth remain in the mouth.

What should I do if my child’s tooth is pushed out of position?

Call Stadium Dental Center right away for an emergency appointment at (573) 880-4411. In the meantime, you may try to gently reposition your child’s tooth to its normal alignment using light finger pressure. Many times this quick, simple action can be effective.

What should I do if my child’s tooth is chipped or fractured?

Tooth fractures vary by the depth and extent of the tissues affected by trauma. Chipped teeth are minor fractures and can be repaired. Moderate fractures involve damage to the enamel, gum tissue, and/or pulp, requiring more comprehensive evaluation and treatment. A severely fractured tooth may not be restorable to proper function.

If your child fractures a tooth, rinse his or her mouth with warm water and apply an ice pack or cold compress to minimize swelling. Contact our office immediately. Dr. Cardon can smooth minor tooth fractures or restore missing portions of the tooth. If you can find a broken tooth fragment, bring it with you when you come in.

What should I do if tissue in my child’s mouth is injured?

If a cut, tear, or puncture wound happens to your child’s cheek, lips, or tongue, gently rinse the wound with warm water. You can reduce bleeding from a tongue laceration by pulling the tongue forward and using gauze or a clean washcloth to compress the wound. Depending on the extent of the injury, it may be advisable for you visit an oral surgeon for emergency care, or go to the emergency room to be treated. We’re happy to talk with you about what would be best for your child in such circumstances.