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Oral
Trauma
When your
child needs urgent dental treatment, we stands ready to help. Please keep
the emergency number available and convenient.
Q:
What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?
A: Contact our office as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the tooth
cannot be implanted with much success. Dr. Blumenthal will be happy to
answer any questions you may have.
Q: What
should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
A:
Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub it or
clean it with soap -- use just water!) If possible, replace the tooth
in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you
can't put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container
with milk, saliva, or water. Get to the pediatric dental office immediately.
(Call the emergency number if it's after hours.) The faster you act, the
better your chances of saving the tooth.
Q: What
if a tooth is chipped or fractured?
A: Contact us immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection
and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with
water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the
broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.
Q: What
about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?
A: Go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital. A blow
to the head can be life threatening.
Q: What
if my child has a toothache?
A: Call us and visit our office promptly. To comfort your child, rinse
the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth.
Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.
Q: Can
dental injuries be prevented?
A: Absolutely! First, reduce oral injury in sports by wearing mouth guards.
Second, always use a car seat for young children. Require seat belts for
everyone else in the car. Third, child-proof your home to prevent falls,
electrical injuries, and choking on small objects. Fourth, protect your
child from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits and preventive
care.
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