Dental First Aid

Dental First Aid is quick and easy to learn. Being aware of dental first aid can help to reduce the severity and long-term effects of a dental emergency. More specifically, the early and appropriate treatment of dental emergencies in children will often prevent a condition from developing into one of a more serious nature.

Type of Injury and First Aid Treatment

Dental first aid is quick and easy to learn! It can help reduce the severity and long-term effects of a dental emergency. 

Toothaches 

1. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water 
2. Use dental floss to remove any food that might be trapped, especially between teeth 
3. If there is swelling, place cold compresses to the outside of the cheek – do not use heat 
4. Do not place aspirin on gum tissue of the aching tooth 
5. Go to a dentist immediately 

Tooth Knocked Out 

1. Do not clean the tooth 
2. Place it in milk, saliva, or water 
3. Take the tooth with you to a dentist immediately 

Broken or Bumped tooth 

1. Try to clean dirt from the injured area with water 
2. Place cold compresses on the cheek next to the injured tooth to minimize swelling 
3. Check for broken tooth chips or fragments in the lip, cheeks, etc. 
4. Go to a dentist immediately 

Bitten Tongue or Lip 

1. Apply direct pressure to the area with a sterile cloth 
2. If there is swelling, place a cold compress on the affected area 
3. If bleeding does not stop readily or the bite is severe, go to the emergency department 

Objects Wedged Between Teeth 

1. Try to remove the object with dental floss
2. Guide the floss in carefully to avoid cutting gums 
3. If unsuccessful, go to the dentist 
4. Do not try to remove with sharp or pointed objects 

Possible Fractured Jaw 

1. Immobilize the jaw by any means (handkerchief, necktie, towel)
2. Go to the emergency department