Toothache

Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with salt water (½ cup of warm water and 1 spoon of salt) and use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If pain persists or any swelling develops in the mouth or face, call us at (646) 448-8773 ASAP. You can give your child OTC pain medication (follow instructions for recommended dosage)

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

Apply ice to the injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call our office or visit your local ER.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Sometimes trauma or a fall to the face can cause an avulsion injury (knocked out tooth), typically affecting the front incisors. If possible, find the tooth immediately. With clean hands, hold it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap or scrub the tooth unnecessarily. If the tooth looks sound, try to reinsert it in the socket and have the child bite on gauze or a piece of cloth to hold gentle pressure. If you cannot reinsert the tooth immediately, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk, but NOT water. If the child is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). It is imperative to see a dentist ASAP, as the prognosis of the tooth is dependent on time.

Knocked Out Baby Tooth

Unlike a permanent tooth, you should NOT re-implant a primary tooth back in the socket. This can cause damage to the developing adult tooth in the jaw. In most cases, no treatment is necessary. If in doubt whether it is a permanent or a primary tooth, call us ASAP.

Chipped/Fractured Tooth

A fractured tooth can cause pain and severe sensitivity to cold. Avoid eating/drinking anything cold and mouth breathing. Rinse your child’s mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If possible, try to find the fractured tooth piece and bring it with you to see Dr. Grinbaum. Sometimes, we can re-bond the tooth piece for a more natural look.

Severe Blow to the Head

Call 911 immediately or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room. Take note if your child blacked out or is dizzy.

Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw

Keep the jaw from moving, avoid any chewy foods and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room. Call us if you have any concerns of a possible jaw injury.