Tooth Ache
Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously with toothbrush and floss. Toothpicks can be useful to remove any food or debris that may be wedged between the teeth. Use warm salt water rinses several times per day to assist the healing process. For mild to moderate pain, 
ibuprofen is the pain reliever of choice in our practice. Swelling in the face indicates a serious infection. In the event of facial swelling, do not wait! See your dentist or local emergency care facility immediately.
Broken Tooth
Rinse the area gently with warm water and avoid chewing on the tooth until you can see your dentist. Most of these injuries are not extremely serious and may not cause you great discomfort. Nevertheless, don't put off seeing your dentist if you have chipped or broken your tooth. In the event that the tooth is broken and quite painful, rinse the area, avoid chewing, take ibuprofen if needed and seek immediate dental attention.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes or until bleeding stops. If bleeding continues, see a dentist. If you don't have any gauze, a tea bag works well. Have the child avoid chewing directly on the area for 1 or 2 days and provide children's Tylenol or Advil if needed. Most children will return to full normal function within 1 or 2 days after losing a baby tooth.
Broken Braces and Wires
Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue; see your orthodontist immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room. In the days following an injury such as this, avoid mouthwashes and rinse instead with warm salt water 3 or 4 times per day to help with healing. The use of analgesics such as ibuprofen may also be helpful.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean, scrub or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, call us immediately.
Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.
Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter pain medications and/or canker sore medications will usually provide sufficient relief to get the child through the episode. If sores persist or are severe in nature, visit your dentist or physician.
Tooth Abscess
The office will examine the patient, do an X-ray of the tooth and either perform a root canal or refer to an oral surgeon.