Knowing what steps to take during a dental emergency can make a difference between losing and keeping a tooth. However, the first step is always to remain calm. Here are some suggestions for treating dental emergencies:

• Lost tooth – If the tooth has been knocked-out, it needs to be cleaned. Hold it by the crown under running water, and replace it in the socket. The sooner this is done, the better as the tissues that attach teeth to bone dry out and die over time. If the tooth is replaced with 30 minutes, it has a higher chance of reattaching itself. Once the tooth is back in the socket, the child should bite down normally to ensure proper positioning. Call us immediately after this is done. If the tooth cannot be replaced immediately, it should be placed in milk. If milk isn’t available, store it in the child’s mouth between their cheek and teeth. Your child should see us immediately.

• Broken tooth – Clean the mouth by gently rinsing with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call us immediately.

• Bitten lip/tongue – Clean any blood off the area with a damp cloth. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and apply pressure to reduce bleeding. If bleeding continues, go to the nearest hospital.