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Michigan Dental Association: Are You Prepared for Your Child's Dental Emergency?

OKEMOS, Mich., Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- February is National Children's Dental Health Month and the 5,500 members of the Michigan Dental Association want parents to know that attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life. Since oral health plays a major role in total health, it's important to maintain good oral health.

During this 62nd annual observance of the American Dental Association's National Children's Dental Health Month, dentists throughout the state and the nation will visit schools and community organizations to talk about the importance of proper oral health care for children.

Keep your dentist's office phone number and an emergency number where the dentist can be reached after hours with other emergency numbers, such as your family doctor, and fire and police departments. Call your dentist immediately for instructions on how to handle a dental emergency.

Knowing what to do can lessen the pain and save a tooth that might otherwise be lost. Here are some tips so that you can be prepared if you child has a dental emergency:

    --  Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use
        dental floss or an interdental cleaner (special toothbrush, water pick,
        or product designed to clean between the teeth) to remove any food or
        other debris that may be caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or
        any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth, as this
        could burn gum tissue. If the toothache persists, see your dentist.
        Don't rely on painkillers. They may temporarily relieve pain but your
        dentist should evaluate the cause of the pain.
    --  Knocked-out tooth: Try to find the tooth! This may not be as easy as you
        think if the injury took place on a playground, basketball court or
        while skateboarding, so try to stay calm. Hold the tooth by the crown
        and rinse the root in water if the tooth is dirty. Don't scrub it or
        remove any attached tissue fragments. If it's possible, gently insert
        and hold the tooth in its socket while you head to the dentist. If
        that's not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and bring it to the
        dentist. Time is critical to save the tooth, so try to get to your
        dentist immediately.
    --  Broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use
        cold compresses on the outside of the cheek to help reduce the swelling,
        and contact your dentist.
    --  Tongue or lip bites or wounds: Clean the area gently with a clean cloth
        and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding can't
        be controlled, go to a hospital emergency room or clinic. You may be
        able to reduce bleeding from the tongue by pulling it forward and using
        gauze to put pressure on the wound.
    --  Objects caught between teeth: Try to gently remove the object with
        dental floss. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is
        stuck between your teeth. If you can't dislodge the object with floss,
        contact your dentist.
    --  Possible broken jaw: Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Get to
        the hospital emergency room immediately.

Headquartered in Okemos, the Michigan Dental Association has more than 5,500 members in 26 local dental societies and two dental schools. Since its founding in 1856, the MDA has sought to educate the public, enhance its members' ability to provide high quality care and to promote the science and art of dentistry. For more information about the MDA call 800/589-2632 or log on to www.smilemichigan.com.

SOURCE Michigan Dental Association