Emergencies
Be prepared for a dental emergency. We recommend ToothSOS, the official app of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT), for quick, easy-to-follow guidance when a dental injury occurs. The app can help you take the right first steps while you contact our office for care.
Download ToothSOS for quick access to dental emergency guidance when you need it most.
Emergency Conditions
Tooth Ache
Begin by meticulously cleaning around the sore tooth. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is recommended. Call our office as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues for more than 15 minutes, go to the emergency department at the hospital.
Knocked Out Tooth
Permanent Tooth: Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk. Call our office.
Primary (Baby) Tooth: Do not reinsert tooth. Call our office.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, call our office.
Primary (Baby) Tooth: Do not reinsert tooth. Call our office.
Broken Tooth
Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments and place them in water or milk. Call our office.
Possible Broken Jaw
Permanent Tooth: Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk. Call our office.
Primary (Baby) Tooth: Do not reinsert tooth. Call our office.
Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. Products such as Orabase with Benzocaine work well. If sores persist longer than two weeks, call our office.
Emergency Line: 508-907-2122
FAQs
Q. Why should my child see a pediatric dentist instead of a regular family dentist?
Pediatric dentists specialize in the oral health of children and receive additional training after dental school to address the unique needs of infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special health considerations.
Q. At what age should my child have their first dental visit?
The American Dental Association recommends that children find a dentist by age 1 or 6 months after the first tooth erupts.
Q. How can I help my child through the teething stage?
To ease discomfort during teething, you can offer a teething biscuit, a piece of toast, or a frozen teething ring. Over-the-counter gel medications can also help soothe sore gums.
Q. When should my child start using toothpaste?
Avoid using fluoridated toothpaste until your child is 3 years old. Before that, clean their teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. After age 3, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and supervise brushing.
Q. How can I protect my child's teeth during sports?
Ensure your child wears a mouth guard during sports activities. A custom-fitted mouth guard provides the best protection against injuries to teeth, lips, and gums.