When a situation occurs and your child’s tooth is hurting, we understand it can be a stressful situation for parent and child. An emergency can range from a tooth ache to a chipped tooth. Dental emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours. Reid & Reid is here to help you address the issue as soon as possible.

Sometimes injuries in the mouth look worse than they really are. A small cut in the mouth can bleed a lot because of all the many blood vessels in the head and neck area. Home treatment can stop the bleeding, reduce pain, and reduce/prevent swelling. Place a clean cool compress on the site, clean the area with an antiseptic such as peroxide, and take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin to help with the discomfort.  Be sure to check the label for the correct dose for your child.

Teeth can get knocked out  at a sporting event or at home just playing in the yard. The very first thing to do is locate the tooth and any fragments and place the tooth in the mouth/cheek to keep from drying out. If you are unable to place the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in whole milk. Control the bleeding with a gauze and use a cool compress to control the swelling and pain. Then call your dentist or go to the emergency room for further treatment.

A toothache can be rather irritating and cause frustration until you can get in to see your dentist to have the tooth treated. Clove oil is a natural and effective way to numb the nerves of the tooth. Use a cotton roll and saturate it in the clove oil. Hold the cotton roll against the tooth and within a short time the gums and nerves around the tooth will be numb and the pain will decrease. This should last about half an hour before wearing off.

If you are unsure about how to deal with your child’s emergency call your dentist, they usually have a phone number that you can call and get some guidance as how to handle the situation. And of course if all else fails, go to your nearest emergency room.

Community events:

Reid & Reid are proud sponsors of HCYS and HCYB spring season. Stop by Jackson Park to enjoy some baseball or Etowah Park to enjoy some softball!

In May 2016, Reid & Reid are excited to be partnering with The Mountain Community School to put on the GNAR and with Hands On! A Child’s Gallery to put on the Family Mud Fun.  Both events are family friendly and support the programs and schools in Henderson County.  Drs. Reid & Reid will be at both events so be sure to say “Hello” if you attend!