TipsFirst visit pointers for Parents
DO:
Try to make dental visits enjoyable for your child, we will help! Set a good example for your child by brushing and flossing your own teeth daily. Let Dr. Nguyen and his staff guide your child through the appointment.
By being a silent observer, you allow Dr. Nguyen and his staff to establish a relationship with your child, and to do what they do best: make your child feel comfortable, special, and grow up as a happy, confident dental patient.
DON'T:
Bribe your child into going to the dentist. Let the child know you feel any anxiety about going to the dentist. Use words like "hurt, needle, drill, shot, x-ray, etc."
Dental Emergencies
Remember to stay calm. Injuries to the mouth, face and teeth happen frequently in children. Fast action will help minimize the damaging effects of the injury, and lessen your child's discomfort. We're ready to help - call us as soon as possible so we may best assist you.
What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?
Go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital. A blow to the head can be life threatening you can worry about the teeth later.
What happen if my child's tooth is broken?
Gently clean or rinse dirt from the area around the break. Place a cold compress on the face in the area of the broken took to minimize lip or facial swelling. If the fracture is more than one half of the tooth, see the dentist immediately.
What should I do if the my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
Find the tooth, handle the tooth by the crown and gently rinse it in cold water DO NOT use soap, scrub or handle the root unnecessarily. Try to replace the tooth into the socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by closing on a gauze pad or washcloth. If it is not possible to replace the tooth, place the tooth in a cup of milk, or if this is not available, cool water. Go to the dentist immediately within 30 minutes. Timing is important for saving the tooth. For primary (baby) teeth are not re-implanted.
Toothaches:
Call the dentist to schedule a visit promptly. Clean the area around the tooth. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with warm salt water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food between the teeth. DO NOT place aspirin on the gums or tooth this will cause a burn to the gum tissues. If there is swelling, apply cold to the outside of the face. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
Bitten Tongue or Lip or cheek:
If there is bleeding apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Apply an ice compress to the injured area. If bleeding does not stop, go to a hospital emergency room.
Possible Broken Jaw:
Do not move the jaw. Stabilize the jaw by tying a towel, necktie, etc. over the top of the head. Apply cold compresses. Go to an oral surgeon or hospital emergency room immediately.
Objects Caught between the Teeth:
Try to remove the object with dental floss. You may tie one or two small knots in the floss to help remove the debris. Do not use a sharp metal object. If you cannot remove it, go to the dentist.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out:
Fold a gauze pad or clean washcloth over the bleeding area. Keep it in place for 15 minutes, then repeat as necessary.
Cold or Canker Sores:
Some children will get these periodically. Placing vitamin e oil over the area, or other over the counter medications will usually give relief. If they persist or are extreme, see the dentist.
Orthodontic Emergencies:
If there is a loose bracket that is irritating the lips or gums, attempt to remove the bracket with a tweezers and place it in an envelope. If there is a loose wire sticking into he cheek, see if you can place it into the tube in the back of mouth. If you can't and you cannot get to the office, cut the end of the wire with a cuticle nipper.
Finally, check to make sure your child's dentist is available for emergencies ahead of time. Keep his or her phone number handy and make it known to your baby-sitters, pediatrician, and your child's school nurse. You don't want to be looking through a phone book during those stressful moments!
