Emergencies

Toothache

Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use 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, acetaminophen is recommended. Contact Dr. Poulos as soon as possible at (513) 232-0550.

 

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with 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 Braces and Wires

Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek, or tongue; contact Dr. Poulos as soon as possible. Emergency attention is not ordinarily required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.

 

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial

area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments, and contact

Dr. Poulos as soon as possible.

 

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not

the root end. 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. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry

it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is of the essence, see

Dr. Poulos immediately.

 

Other Emergency Conditions:

 

Possible Broken Jaw

In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an 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, contact Dr. Poulos as soon as possible.

 

Cold or Canker Sores

Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief.

If sores persist, visit Dr. Poulos.