Knowledge Resources

In our effort to help readers better understand the importance of good dental health, we have incorporated several resources for your review.  Our knowledge resources are available in the following categories.

Pediatric Dental Care Tips

Below you will find numerous tips on ways to improve your oral health, or that of your children.  This information is provided for educational purposes only. A perceived dental problem is best to be diagnosed in person by a dentist.  Therefore, ReachOut Healthcare America shall not be liable to anyone regarding any action or inaction taken in reliance upon the information provided regarding dental care advice.  Due to the extreme complexity and range of dental issues, this content should be construed as being for informational purposes only.    

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Tooth Emergencies

The following table represents common categories of tooth emergencies.  Please recognize that the information provided is not intended to be a substitute for seeing a dentist, only information on what to do before you can see a dentist.  To find quick instructions for how to handle tooth emergencies, please click on the appropriate category below.

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Quick Instructions for Tooth Emergencies

Bleeding after the loss of a tooth:

• Apply pressure to area with sterile gauze pad and bleeding should stop.

• If the bleeding persists, call a dentist.

Broken or Chipped Teeth:

• Rinse any dirt from the injured area with warm water. 

• Apply ice to the surrounding area to control swelling.

• If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure to the area with a clean cloth.

• If bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes, take child to a dentist or emergency room

Canker Sores (minor, inside of mouth):

• Rinse mouth with warm salt water (1/4 tsp of salt and 3-4 oz of warm water)

• There are over-the-counter gels to relieve pain.  Vitamin E oil may help.

• Usually takes 2 weeks to heal

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Gum Boil (i.e., Abcess)

• Appears like a pimple on the gum or a swelling at the gum-line

• Tooth likely needs to be removed or have a pulpotomy

• Refer child to the dentist, even if it drains on its own

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Loose baby tooth about to fall out:

• Wiggle the tooth

• If it’s very loose (moves easily with slightest touch), encourage child or parent to wiggle it out, using guaze to handle tooth

• Apply topical anesthetic if area is sensitive

• Instruct child to place tooth under pillow for tooth fairy

Loose permanent tooth about to fall out due to injury:

• Apply ice if necessary (e.g., swelling, pain)

• Refer to a dentist quickly

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New tooth is erupting and baby tooth hasn’t fallen out:

• Refer to a dentist as the baby tooth may force the permanent tooth into incorrect position

• It is most critical on an upper anterior tooth erupting behind a baby tooth than on the lower teeth       

Toothaches:

• Rinse the mouth out with warm water to clean it out.  Gently use dental floss to ensure that there is no food or other debris caught between the teeth.

• Be sure to never put aspirin or any other painkillers against the gums near the aching tooth because it may burn the gum tissue.

• If the pain persists, contact a dentist

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Tooth fallen or knocked out:

• If it is a permanent tooth, handle it by the crown – not the root.

• Try to insert it into the tooth socket and have the child hold it in place by biting down on a clean cloth or gauze.  If that is not possible, put the tooth in a cup of warm milk and take child to a dentist.

• Time is critical factor in saving the tooth.

• If it is a baby tooth, do not insert it back into the socket because damage to the underlying permanent tooth can occur.

Proper Diet

It is important to eat a proper diet in order to promote healthy teeth.  Encourage snacks that do not cause cavities such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and grain products.  Avoid soda, candy, cookies, dried fruits and other highly sugared foods .