Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

Apply ice to the bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. if bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.

Knocked out Permanent Tooth

Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. See Dr. Sherman IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Toothache

Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain and see Dr. Sherman as soon as possible.

Broken Tooth

Rinse dirt from the injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any tooth fragments. See Dr. Sherman immediately.

Other Emergency Situations:

Possible Broken Jaw: If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaw from moving by using a tie, handkerchief or towel to immobilize the jaw.. Take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Bleeding after a baby tooth falls out: Fold and pack a clean gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once; If bleeding persists, see Dr. Sherman.

Cold/Canker sores: Many children occasionally suffer from "cold" or "canker" sores. Usually over-the-counter preparations give relief. Because some serious diseases begin as sores, it is important to see Dr. Sherman if these sores persist.