Emergency
in New York, NY

If your child has a toothache, start by gently cleaning the area around the sore tooth. Have them rinse their mouth with warm salt water to help remove any food that might be stuck between the teeth. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as it can harm the tissues.

If there is swelling in the face, apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to help reduce it. For temporary relief, you can give your child a child’s pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol), following the correct dosage instructions.

A toothache can be a sign of something serious like a cavity or infection, so it’s important to schedule a visit with our dentist as soon as possible to find and treat the cause of the pain.

If your child accidentally bites or injures their tongue, lip, or cheek, start by gently cleaning the area. You can apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a clean cloth to help reduce swelling and ease discomfort.

If there’s bleeding, apply gentle but firm pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Most minor injuries will stop bleeding within a few minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 to 15 minutes or seems excessive, take your child to the nearest emergency room for further care.

Try to keep your child calm and avoid giving them anything to eat until the bleeding has stopped and the injury has been evaluated.

If your child has a broken brace or wire, remove the piece only if it comes out easily without causing pain. If it feels stuck or is poking into the gums, cheek, or tongue, do not try to pull it out. Instead, cover any sharp or sticking parts with orthodontic wax, a small piece of cotton, or even sugarless gum to help protect the inside of the mouth and reduce irritation.

If a wire is embedded in soft tissue or causing pain, it’s important to seek dental care immediately. Trying to remove it yourself could make the injury worse.

If the appliance is loose but not causing any pain, you can wait until the next available appointment. However, we always recommend calling our office for guidance.

If your child breaks a tooth, stay calm and act quickly. Start by gently rinsing their mouth with warm water to clean the area. If there’s any swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of the face where the injury occurred.

Try to find and save any pieces of the broken tooth. Place them in a clean container with milk or saliva to keep the fragments moist; this may help your dentist determine the best way to restore the tooth.

Even if your child is not in pain, a broken tooth should be seen by a dentist right away. Prompt care can help prevent infection, reduce discomfort, and increase the chances of saving the tooth.

If your child’s permanent tooth is knocked out, act fast. Find the tooth and pick it up by the top (crown), do not touch the root, as that part is delicate. Gently rinse it with water to remove dirt, but don’t scrub or use soap.

If possible, try to place the tooth back into the socket right away and have your child bite down gently on a clean cloth or gauze to keep it in place. If you can’t reinsert it, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a cup of milk or your child’s saliva. Avoid using plain water for extended periods, as it may damage the tooth cells.

Time is very important since getting to the dentist quickly increases the chances of saving the tooth. Call our office immediately or go to the nearest emergency dental clinic.