If your child has a true dental emergency (swelling, trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding), please call the office at (210) 510-2862 during regular office hours, or (210) 410-5912 after hours. We will make every accommodation to see your child in a timely manner. Please be aware that if you are calling after 10 pm, your call MAY not be returned until the next day. Should the bleeding continue profusely for more than one hour, in case of trauma or difficulty breathing, please proceed to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

TOOTH ACHE
First clean around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. Under no circumstances should you put aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, ibuprofen or acetaminophen is recommended. Please contact us for an appointment if the pain persists more than a day.

CUT OR BITTEN TONGUE, LIP OR CHEEK
Apply ice to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with a sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

BROKEN TOOTH
Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Seek immediate dental attention.

KNOCKED OUT PERMANENT TOOTH
Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root. Rinse, but do not clean 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 until you see the dentist. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately.

TRAUMA
Please keep area as clean as possible. A soft wash cloth or tooth brush will help.
Watch for changes, darkening of traumatized teeth, swelling, increased mobility, draining. This could be an indication of dying nerve or infection, please call the office if any of the above is noted.
Ice should be administered during the first 24 hours post trauma to keep the swelling under control.
Maintain a soft diet for two to three days, or until the child feels comfortable eating normally again.
Avoid foods that are extremely hot or cold or too sweet.
If antibiotics or pain medicines are prescribed, be sure to follow the prescription as directed.

POSSIBLE BROKEN JAW
In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Call 911 or proceed immediately to the nearest emergency room.

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. If bleeding continues, see a dentist.

COLD OR CANKER SORES
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, visit our emergency child’s dentist in San Antonio.