Dental Emergency: Do You Know What to Do?

If there was an emergency, there is a number you’ve probably had memorized since you were very young. A professional would be on the other end of the line who could calmly help you know what you can do in a given situation. But would you know how to handle a dental emergency?

Knowing what you should do before an urgent situation arises can help you in times of crisis when stress is high. With that in mind, Dr. McKay Garrett wants to provide you with the following directions for different dental emergencies you could encounter:

-If your child gets a tooth knocked out, it can be held by its crown and the root can be gently rinsed with salt water or milk if it is dirty. You should NOT scrub or remove any tissue that is attached to it. You can put it in a glass of milk and bring the glass with you to our dentist.
-You can try rinsing your child’s mouth with warm water and gently flossing if he or she has a toothache, but if it persists, you should bring your child to come and see us.
-For a broken tooth, you could rinse your child’s mouth with warm water. You can use ice to reduce any swelling, and you should bring your child to see us as soon as you can.
-If a lip or tongue is bitten, it can gently be cleaned with a cloth and some ice. After a short time if the bleeding hasn’t stopped, or is heavy, you should get your child immediate medical attention.
-If you are traveling and a dental emergency occurs, you can ask a local emergency room for a dental referral. If you are outside of the country, you can ask at the U.S. Embassy or your hotel’s personnel for a referral.

If you want to know more about dental emergencies, or would like to an appointment at Tooth Club For Kids, please call 602-843-1275. We are happy to help the children in and around Glendale, Arizona, with their dental needs.