Knocked out or avulsed baby tooth

Do not reinsert the baby tooth! Try to find the tooth to ensure that the tooth was not swallowed, aspirated, or intruded. Call your dentist. Your child can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) as needed for pain or discomfort.

Knocked out or avulsed permanent tooth

First, try to find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown portion, not the root portion. Gently rinse the tooth with saline or milk. Do not scrub or wipe the root portion of the tooth. Gently try to reinsert the tooth back into the socket. Call your dentist immediately. If you are unable to reinsert the tooth back into the socket, place the tooth in a cup of cold milk or saline for transport to the dental office.

Toothache

Try to keep the affected area clean by using a warm salt water rinse, brushing, and flossing. Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) for the pain. Do not place aspirin directly on the gums or the aching tooth as this can cause a severe aspirin burn. Call the dental office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Facial Swelling

Facial swelling is commonly caused by an infected tooth with a collection of pus. Most often, we are unable to complete any dental treatment on a child until the facial swelling has resolved and your child may require a course of antibiotics. Call the dental office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Severe facial swellings caused by an infected tooth that occur around the eyes or throat can be life-threatening. If this is the case, call your physician or go the emergency room immediately.