If Your Child Has a Toothache
Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris. If the pain persists, call our office. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth.
When does a toothache require emergency care?
- If the pain is intense, is not relieved by analgesics and stops your child from being able to sleep
- Swelling and/or redness inside their mouth, or outside their mouth on their face/jaw
- Difficulty opening their mouth and eating
- A high temperature
During working hours please contact the clinic. If your child is having difficulty breathing or is visibly very unwell, then please contact NHS 24 (dial 111).
Dental Trauma
A useful app to have on your phone is ToothSOS which can be downloaded on Google Play or App Store.
Please note that all non dental injuries must be addressed first by the relevant medical teams.
If One of Your Child’s Baby Teeth is Knocked Out
DO NOT attempt to put the tooth back into place. Contact the clinic for advice and an appointment. Depending on your child’s age and tooth affected treatment may or may not be required.
If One of Your Child’s Permanent Teeth is Knocked Out
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown (the top part), not the root portion (the portion normally unseen). You may rinse the tooth with cold water (no soap), but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have your child hold the tooth in place by biting on a piece of sterile gauze. Call the clinic immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.
If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing your child’s saliva or some cow’s milk. If your child is old enough and won’t swallow the tooth, the tooth may also be carried in their mouth. But don’t delay – your child must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
If One of Your Child’s Baby Teeth Is Chipped or Fractured
Make sure your child has no other injury. Often a lip may also be bruised or bleeding. Clean the area and apply cold compresses to keep the lip from swelling more. Contact the clinic– your child will probably need to be seen as soon as possible.
If One of Your Child’s Permanent Teeth Is Chipped or Fractured
Contact the clinic immediately – your child will probably need to be seen as soon as possible. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse your child’s mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If possible, locate and save any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you when you come to the clinic.
If Your Child Suffers A Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw
Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Avoiding Injury
You can help your child avoid dental emergencies. Childproof your house to avoid falls. Don’t let your child chew on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods. Always use car seats for young children and require seat belts for older children. And if your child plays contact sports, have him wear a mouthguard. Ask us about creating a custom-fitted mouth-guard for your child.
Finally, prevent toothaches with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to Sunrise Dental Clinic.
Paediatric Dentistry With Dr Libi
If you’re looking for a paediatric dentist near me in Edinburgh, our specialist Paediatric Dentist, Dr Libi Almuzian, has over 15 years of experience. Dr Libi is skilled in making the most anxious of children feel at ease in the dental setting. She works with families to achieve tailor-made prevention and treatment plans, while keeping it fun for the children by singing Disney songs and talking to them about their interests. Interacting with children in a way that makes them feel safe and secure is Dr Libi’s number one priority.
