Exams & Cleaning ● Digital Radiographs ● Fluoride ● Sealants ● White Fillings ● Pediatric Crowns ● Pulpotomy & Pulpectomy ● Silver Diamine Fluoride ● Tongue Tie & Lip Releasing Frenectomy ● Extractions ● Space Maintainers ● Sedation Dentistry ● Interceptive Orthodontics ● Dental Trauma & Emergencies ● Mouthguards

Exams & Cleaning

Regular dental exams are performed in conjunction with dental cleanings, and check-ups are recommended once every six months for all patients of Alpine Kids Dentistry. Regular oral examinations are the best protection against gum disease, tooth loss, and other dental conditions in children.

Our Lehi, UT pediatric dental clinic has an emphasis on providing comprehensive dental care with a little extra care.

What types of problems can regular oral examinations detect and help prevent?

Regular, comprehensive oral exams can help to detect and prevent common tooth problems, such as:

  • Tooth decay (dental caries)
  • Gum disease
  • Tooth loss
  • Bone damage
  • Abnormal tooth alignment
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction

What does a pediatric dental exam involve?

Dental exams for children are performed by our experienced and caring pediatric dentists and may involve:

Periodontal screening: Periodontal screenings focus on the diagnosis of gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis.

TMJ screening: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located in front of the ear, where the skull and lower jaw meet. TMJ disorders are characterized by pain in the face or jaw area, headaches, earaches, limited mouth opening and clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint. Since some of these symptoms are observed in a variety of medical conditions, a thorough clinical examination is important.

What’s involved during my child’s dental cleaning?

Pediatric dental cleanings involve:

Removal of plaque: Plaque is a film that forms on the teeth from the combination of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. Plaque can produce toxins that inflame the gums, causing gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease).

Removal of calculus (tartar): When left on the teeth for an extended period of time, plaque hardens into a material called calculus, also known as tartar. Calculus may form above or below the gum line and requires removal with specialized dental instruments. If left in place, this material can contribute to the formation of dental cavities.

Teeth polishing: Every cleaning appointment concludes with teeth polishing to remove stains and plaque that may not be removed during regular tooth brushing.

What types of problems can regular dental cleanings for kids help avoid?

Regular pediatric dental cleanings can help children avoid common problems including:

  • Tooth decay (dental caries)
  • Gum disease
  • Tooth loss
  • Bone damage
  • Bad breath (halitosis) caused by plaque buildup
  • Stained teeth

Radiographs

Digital dental X-rays for children and baby teeth are a valuable diagnostic tool that provides details about the teeth as well as the bones and supporting tissues of the mouth. Alpine Kids Dentistry is pleased to offer a state-of-the-art digital X-rays so that patients can have dental X-rays taken and evaluated within minutes, without ever having to leave the premises.

What types of things do dental X-rays for children reveal?

Digital dental X-rays for children are used to detect the presence of:

  • Tooth decay (dental caries)
  • Gum disease
  • Tumors
  • Cysts
  • Extra teeth

In addition, digital dental X-rays can also be used to see the status of developing teeth, to effectively track the progress of previous dental procedures and to quickly identify small changes in teeth over time.

What are the benefits of digital dental X-rays for baby teeth?
Although generally considered safe, traditional X-rays briefly expose patients to radiation. But with the latest advances in digital X-rays, radiation exposure is reduced by more than 90 percent. In addition, digital X-rays produce instant, high-quality images, which can be shared with other doctors, if needed. Digital dental X-rays are also more environmentally friendly than traditional X-rays since they eliminate the need for film and processing chemicals that generate bio-hazardous waste.

How often are digital dental X-rays performed for children?
Each patient is different and so are his or her individual dental needs. The schedule for performing digital dental X-rays will be determined by our pediatric dentist, Dr. Brown, based on factors including a patient’s age, their risk for disease, and symptoms.

In many cases, new patients at Alpine Kids Dentistry will be advised to have dental X-rays to determine the existing health of teeth and provide a baseline for future changes.

What does getting pediatric dental X-rays involve?
Before getting dental X-rays, an experienced staff member will cover the patient with a heavy lead apron. Next, a small device (the image sensor) will be inserted into the patient’s mouth, and the staff member will instruct the child on how to bite down on it, in order to take the most effective X-ray images. This process will repeat several times until images are obtained for the entire mouth. The process takes just minutes to complete and is completely pain-free.

Since digital X-ray results are immediate, the images and diagnosis can be discussed between the dentist, patient, and a patient’s parent immediately after the examination.

Fluoride

Fluoride treatment may be performed in conjunction with a child’s dental cleaning at Alpine Kids Dentistry in Lehi, UT. Depending on a patient’s individual needs, the appropriate fluoride treatment will be recommended in order to help keep teeth cavity-free.

What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay in patients of all ages. It is found in water sources, certain foods (e.g. meat, fish, and eggs), and in toothpaste, oral rinses, and professional treatments from your dentist. Sufficient fluoride treatment is important during childhood years to ensure extra protection against cavities in developing teeth.

When is fluoride recommended?

Our pediatric dentist will use fluoride treatments for patients who are at an increased risk of tooth decay, including those with:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Active cavities
  • White spots due to braces
  • Poor diet
  • Tooth enamel defects
  • Beginning stages of cavities

What does fluoride treatment for children involve?
Fluoride treatments are administered at our office. Fluoride is applied to the teeth in gel, foam or varnish form or painted directly onto the teeth. Children may also be given fluoride supplements to take in small doses each day, especially if there is not a sufficient amount of fluoride in their regular water supply (I.e. Lehi City Water). In some cases, our dentists may recommend a prescription fluoride gel to use at home to decrease tooth decay.

After most fluoride treatments, patients should refrain from eating or drinking certain foods for a short period of time in order to increase the fluoride’s direct contact with the teeth. Depending on each patient’s individual needs, fluoride treatments may be repeated every three, six or 12 months.

Sealants

While there is no single method for protecting teeth from disease and decay, dental sealants are one proven treatment option that can help maintain dental health along with regular cleanings and at-home care. At Alpine Kids Dentistry our experienced pediatric dentist will evaluate your child’s teeth on his or her first visit and will determine the best timing for applying dental sealants. In some cases, tooth sealants will be applied in conjunction with dental fillings.

What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the surface of the tooth to protect the grooves of the teeth from decay. Decay often begins in these grooves because they are hard to clean and susceptible to a buildup of plaque. Sealants create a smooth surface that fills deep grooves and makes teeth easier to clean.

When should dental sealants be performed?
Tooth sealants can be applied to children once the six-year molars are present, or any time between the ages of 6 and 16.

What does getting dental sealants for kids involve?
Dental sealants are performed in-office. Sealants are applied by cleaning the selected tooth and then painting the sealant onto the tooth enamel, where it will harden and bond to the tooth and protect it from decay. This procedure takes just a few minutes and is painless.

White Fillings

When cavities occur and the less-invasive treatment options are not suitable for the patient, dental restorations are an indicated treatment choice. Based on a patient’s unique needs, the appropriate type of filling will be determined.

For children who are unable to cope with the delivery of dental care, who have a high level of dental anxiety or who have special needs, we offer various sedation options for completing a composite resin filling procedure.

What are composite resin fillings?
Composite resin fillings (also known as white fillings) are a type of filling made of glass or quartz within a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored material. They are used to fill cavities, restore tooth decay, and prevent further decay.

When should composite resin fillings be used?
Also known as filled resins, composites are often used in small to mid-size restorations as they provide strength, durability and resistance to fracture. In addition, the shade of composite fillings is made to closely match the patient’s actual teeth, so that other people will not be aware that dental work has been done. In some cases, patients may prefer to receive ceramic fillings (non-plastic and BPA free) or silver (amalgam) fillings depending on their needs.

What does getting composite resin fillings involve?
Composite resin dental fillings are performed in-office. Before the procedure, a child will receive local anesthesia in order to numb the affected tooth and area around the tooth.

Once completely numbed, our pediatric dentists will use a drill to remove decay from the affected tooth and prepare it for filling. Then, the composite resin filling will be introduced, which involves layering on resin and hardening it using a specialized light to make it strong. The final step involves polishing the tooth and then applying a sealant in order to protect it from future decay.

Pediatric Crowns

When a child’s tooth is cracked, broken, or impacted by damage to the dental pulp, thus requiring a baby root canal, Dr Brown will recommend dental crowns in order to restore affected teeth. Based on a patient’s unique needs, the appropriate type of tooth crown will be determined.

For children who are unable to cope with the delivery of dental care, who have a high level of dental anxiety or who have special needs, we offer various sedation dentistry options for completing a dental crown procedure.

What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a restoration that covers or “caps” a tooth, restoring it to its normal size and shape while strengthening it and protecting it from further cracking or breakage. Crowns are necessary when a tooth is broken down to the point where a filling won’t be effective. In addition, dental crowns are needed following a pediatric root canal, wherein part of the baby tooth’s nerve has been removed.

What types of crown options do we offer?

Our team at Alpine Kids Dentistry can provide:

  • Stainless steel dental crowns
  • White crowns

Stainless Steel Crowns
Stainless steel crowns can preserve more of the tooth structure than other types of crowns. They withstand biting and chewing forces well and rarely chip or break.
The biggest drawback of stainless steel crowns is their metallic color. They are ideal for back teeth that are not visible, but if they are necessary for a tooth that will show, they can be created with white facings that look like natural teeth.

White “tooth colored” Crowns (White Caps)
White crowns made of resin or zirconia can be used to strengthen decayed teeth and they are commonly used when restoring teeth at the front of the mouth. They are close in color to the natural teeth, so they are more cosmetically pleasing. Our zirconia crowns are made by Sprig (Dr Brown thinks they are the best looking pediatric crowns) and you can preview them on their website: https://sprigusa.com/ezcrowns/.

We emphasize that white crowns should only be used for photographs/cosmetics once placed onto a child’s tooth. They are glued in place and can become dislodged if the child bites into hard/crunchy/sticky foods such as apples, corn on the cob, hearty sandwiches, etc.

What does getting dental crowns involve?
Dental crown placement is performed in-office. Before the procedure, a child will receive local anesthesia in order to numb the affected tooth and area around the tooth. Sedation dentistry options may also be administered, depending on the patient’s individual needs.

Once numbed, our pediatric dentists will shape the affected tooth to the necessary form before introducing the appropriate type of crown, which is designed to fit tightly over it. Then the crown will be cemented into place. After the procedure, patients will be advised to avoid hard or sticky foods in order to prevent fractures or dislodging to the crown. Depending on the type of crown used, the dental restoration may stay intact until the baby tooth falls out naturally, or it may need to be replaced.

Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy

At Alpine Kids Dentistry, we take a preventative approach to dental care, through which we strive to prevent the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental problems that might require pediatric root canals. While our dentist will always make an effort to treat your child’s condition and avoid a root canal, this is not always possible.

What is a baby root canal for children?
A baby root canal, also known as pulpotomy or pulpectomy, is a pediatric root canal treatment that involves treating problems within the innermost layer of the tooth (i.e.: the “nerve”), which is called the dental pulp. The dental pulp is the soft tissue found inside the tooth from the top all the way down to the end of the root. It contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue that provide nutrients to the tooth as it grows.

When is a pediatric root canal performed?
Pediatric root canals are performed when the dental pulp in a baby tooth is damaged and needs to be repaired. If the pulp is damaged, it will gradually decay if left within the tooth.

This is most commonly caused by an untreated cavity that allows bacteria to travel through the enamel and dentin of the tooth and eventually infect the pulp within it. The pulp can also be damaged by any trauma to the tooth that cuts off the blood supply and causes the pulp tissue to die.

If left untreated, pus may build up within the root tip and form an abscess that can damage the bone around the tooth, causing pain and the potential for permanent tooth damage.

Baby teeth may not remain in the mouth forever, but they are essential. Pediatric root canal treatment is important for:

  • Maintaining proper speaking and chewing function
  • Retaining space for permanent teeth
  • Preserving the shape of the face
  • Preventing significant pain and potential bone damage

What does a pediatric root canal treatment involve?
Once our dentist has determined that the pulp tissue in a baby tooth has been damaged and a pediatric root canal is necessary, we will perform a digital X-ray examination in order to further evaluate the tooth.

Before the root canal procedure, a child will receive local anesthesia in order to numb the affected tooth and area around the tooth.

Once completely numbed, our pediatric dentists will begin the root canal procedure, which involves removing the affected part of the nerve. After a primary tooth has had a baby root canal, a crown is often placed over the treated tooth in order to restore and protect it.

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an FDA-approved antibiotic liquid clinically applied to control active dental caries and prevent further progression of disease. While the ideal way to treat teeth with decay is by removing the decay and placing a restoration, this alternative treatment allows us to stop decay with noninvasive methods.

SDF is a particularly effective fluoride treatment for kids whose cavities cannot otherwise be treated at one time. We may also recommend SDF for children with disabilities, have sedation contraindications or those who are unable to sit for longer cavity treatments. Benefits to this technique include:

  • Non-invasive
  • Painless
  • Quick treatment time
  • Effective cavity prevention
  • May stop tooth decay
  • Relieves tooth sensitivity

Treatment with Silver Diamine Fluoride may not eliminate the need for restorative dentistry to repair function or aesthetics, but has been effective at prevention of further decay. Dental restorations may include but are not limited to dental fillings, root canal therapy and or crowns. Come in and talk with Dr Brown about whether or not your child would benefit from this treatment option.

Tongue Tie/Lip Releasing Frenectomy

A frenectomy is a simple oral surgical procedure that eliminates the presence of a frenum in the mouth. A frenum is a muscular attachment between two tissues found inside of the cheeks and lips and inside the mouth and gums.

There are two major kinds of frenum in the mouth, the labial frenum and the lingual frenum.

A labial frenum is a muscular tissue that connects the inside of the upper lip to the center of the gums between the two upper front teeth. The presence of this frenum creates a large gap between the two upper front teeth and can also cause recession of the gums by drawing the gums off the jawbone. Usually, dentists will advise their patients to wait for the growth of their two permanent upper front teeth before considering the treatment for labial frenum. It is because there are cases where the gap between the upper front teeth is eliminated during the growth of permanent teeth. However, if this is not possible, braces are used to correct the gap. Labial frenectomy is only performed if the braces are unable to correct the large gaps caused by labial frenum. In some cases where the presence of labial frenum can cause pain to the upper lip and gums in younger children, labial frenectomy is performed.

Benefits of lip-releasing frenectomy:

  • It reduces oral discomfort
  • It improves facial appearance through the elimination of tooth gap between the two upper front teeth
  • It reduces gum defects that can create pockets where food packs and cavities can form
  • It increases breast-feeding efficacy in newborns

The second kind of frenum is called lingual frenum. It is a muscular tissue that connects the bottom center of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Lingual frenum that extends all the way to the tip of the tongue can sometimes restrict the patient from eating and speaking properly. This condition is also called ‘tongue tied’. Lingual frenectomy is only performed if the presence of frenum prevents the child from eating and speaking properly.

Benefits of tongue-tie frenectomy:

  • It increases breast-feeding efficacy in newborns that have trouble latching to mothers nipple
  • It enhances communication and expression of oneself
  • It improves appetite because patient can eat properly

If you have any further questions regarding frenectomy, it is best for you to talk to Dr Brown. He will provide you with better understanding what the frenectomy procedure is all about.

Extractions

A dental extraction, commonly known as getting a tooth pulled, is one of the most common procedures performed at a dentist’s office. At Alpine Kids Dentistry we take a preventive approach to dental care, through which we strive to prevent the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental problems that might require pediatric tooth extractions. While our board-certified pediatric dentist will always make an effort to treat your child’s condition and avoid pediatric tooth extraction, this is not always possible.

When is pediatric tooth extraction performed?

Tooth removal in children is often performed to:

  • Relieve a broken tooth
  • Treat significant tooth decay/cavities
  • Remove wisdom teeth that are causing overcrowding in the mouth

What does child tooth extraction procedure involve?
Once Dr. Brown has determined that dental extraction is necessary, we will perform a digital X-ray examination in order to further evaluate the tooth.

Before the pediatric tooth extraction procedure, a child will receive local anesthesia in order to numb the affected tooth and area around the tooth.

Once completely numbed and prepared, our pediatric dentists will begin the extraction procedure, which involves rocking the tooth back and forth to ease it out of its socket for simple removal. Stubborn teeth may need to be removed in sections.

After the pediatric tooth extraction, patients will likely experience a certain amount of discomfort. This can be relieved by applying ice to the area or taking painkillers if needed. Patients will be advised to avoid certain foods for a few days and should feel completely better within one to two weeks. Refer to our section on postoperative care under the “For Parents” tab of our website for home care. The dental extraction procedure is safe for most patients and does not involve any major complications.

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are appliances made of metal or plastic that are custom fit to your child’s mouth. They are small and unobtrusive in appearance. Most children easily adjust to them after the first few days.

Why do children lose their baby teeth?
A baby tooth usually stays in place until a permanent tooth underneath pushes it out and takes its place. Unfortunately, some children lose a baby tooth too soon. A tooth might be knocked out accidentally or removed because of dental disease. When a tooth is lost too early, Dr Brown may recommend a space maintainer to prevent future space loss and dental problems.

Baby teeth fall out eventually on their own, why does my child need a spacer?
Baby teeth are important to your child’s present and future dental health. They encourage normal development of the jawbones and muscles. They save space for the permanent teeth and guide them into position. Remember: Some baby teeth are not replaced until a child is 12 or 14 years old.

How does a lost baby tooth cause problems for permanent teeth?
If a baby tooth is lost too soon, the teeth beside it may tilt or drift into the empty space. Teeth in the other jaw may move up or down to fill the gap. When adjacent teeth shift into the empty space, they create a lack of space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. Therefore, permanent teeth are crowded and come in crooked. If left untreated, the condition may require extensive orthodontic treatment.

How does a space maintainer help?
Space maintainers hold open the empty space left by a lost tooth. They steady the remaining teeth, preventing movement until the permanent tooth takes its natural position in the jaw. It is more affordable — and easier on your child — to keep teeth in normal positions with a space maintainer than to move them back in place with orthodontic treatment. There are several different types of space maintainers: band and loop, distal shoe, lower lingual holding arch, Nance appliance, and more. Talk to Dr Brown about your child’s individual needs.

What special care do space maintainers need?
Dr. Brown has four rules for space maintainer care. First, avoid sticky sweets or chewing gum. Second, do not tug or push on the space maintainer with your fingers or tongue. Third, keep it clean with good brushing and flossing. Fourth, continue regular dental visits.

Sedation Dentistry

For some patients, a visit to the dentist can be a challenge for various reasons. Children who are unable to cope with the delivery of dental care, who have a high level of dental anxiety or who have special needs, may be good candidates for the pediatric sedation dentistry options offered at Alpine Kids Dentistry.

Whether your child is undergoing treatment at our office or a hospital facility, patients will receive the best quality dental care without the negative feelings or sensations normally associated with a visit to the dentist.

What types of procedures might warrant sedation dentistry for children?

Procedures that often require sedation dentistry include:

  • Dental fillings/restorations
  • Crowns
  • Root canals
  • Tooth extractions/Space Maintainers
  • Cleanings/Exams

What types of pediatric sedation dentistry options do you offer?

Our team at Alpine Kids Dentistry can provide:

  • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
  • In-office conscious sedation
  • General anesthesia

Nitrous Oxide: “Laughing Gas”
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry endorses the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation therapy as a safe and effective technique to reduce anxiety and decrease pain in children. The gas (a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen) is administered by inhaling a sweet, pleasant aroma through a nasal mask. Laughing gas is considered a form of “conscious sedation” because patients will still be awake, but they will feel relaxed and, in some cases, drowsy. Your child will be able to breathe normally and respond to verbal cues from our dentists, but they will feel no pain. Depending on the level and form of sedation received, the patient may not remember the visit at all.

Nitrous oxide is one of the safest sedative treatments in pediatric sedation dentistry. It has a rapid onset, and the effects wear off almost immediately.

Benefits to laughing gas include:

  • Reduced anxiety
  • Pain reduction
  • Altered perception of time (appointments seem short)
  • Visual fear reduction (nose mask blocks the child’s view of dental instruments and other things that could potentially frighten the child)

Rarely, laughing gas can make the child nauseous and cause them to vomit if they ate breakfast or lunch recently. It’s always a good idea to avoid food/drink immediately preceding a restorative dental appointment using laughing gas. If necessary, it can be used in combination with other sedative agents.

In-Office Conscious Sedation

Dr. Brown may choose to use Midazolam (Versed) for children under the age of four for invasive, short procedures involving brief stressors. Midazolam is an excellent short-acting agent with a rapid onset of 15-20 minutes. Midazolam will NOT cause your child to go to sleep, but will act as a retrograde-amnesia medicine (usually they will not remember the dental procedure).

He may choose to use Diazepam (Valium) for children aged 5-8 for short invasive procedures involving brief stressors. It also is a shorter-acting agent that produces retrograde-amnesia in older children.

Benefit characteristics include:

  • decreased anxiety
  • short acting sedative
  • retro-amnesia of appointment

Potential risks and side effects may include:

  • Persistent agitation after the procedure (hydration with glucose seems helpful in reducing this)
  • Can expect poor results when extending treatment time (>25-30 min.)

Dr. Brown will dose your child’s medicine based on their weight, NOT their age! Midazolam comes as cherry flavored syrup that is usually delivered by mouth through a “squirter” (similar to children’s Tylenol or Advil).

Please be sure that your child does not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to their dental appointment! If they eat or drink anything, Dr. Brown will reschedule your appointment (broken appointment fee will apply).

We strictly follow the sedation guidelines as set forth by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Your child’s sedation dentistry procedure will be discussed in detail with you before treatment is rendered.

In Office General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is a management technique that uses medications to allow your child to go to sleep while receiving dental treatment. Although there is some risk associated with general anesthesia, it is safe when administered by an appropriately trained physician.

Candidates for this pediatric sedation dentistry procedure might include those with severe anxiety, special needs or those with extensive dental decay. Before recommending this form of pediatric sedation dentistry, our board certified pediatric dentist, Dr Brown, will discuss in detail the risks and benefits involved with the procedure.

Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation dentistry for children is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as an effective way to make many children comfortable during their dental visit. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic to your child, Dr. Brown will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre and post-sedation instructions.

Interceptive Orthodontics

Not every child will need orthodontic treatment. Preventive dental care practiced from a young age can eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment altogether.
However, due to genetic predisposition, injuries or other factors beyond parents and dentist’s control, abnormal oral growth does occur sometimes. Orthodontic treatment performed early in a child’s oral development is usually simpler, more comfortable and less expensive than treatments performed during puberty.

Correction of crossbites
When teeth are not properly aligned in young children, it can cause lasting skeletal and facial defects that will stay with them into adult if not addressed in a timely manner. We will monitor your child’s growth and advise accordingly if things start to develop.

Habits/thumb sucking
Often children can develop oral habits such as chewing on clothing, sucking a thumb or frequently placing things in their mouths. When not addressed, these habits may contribute to misaligned teeth, altered jaw growth and self esteem problems when viewed by their peers. Severe cases can result in speech problems or delayed learning.

Limited orthodontics
Orthodontics or braces are an excellent way to improve your child’s overall oral function and self esteem. Braces can be divided into two phases. Phase I is generally completed at a younger age with a very specific focus to allow your child to continue growing and developing. Phase II is frequently started later in life when all permanent teeth have erupted.

Talk to Dr. Brown about your child’s specific orthodontic needs.

Dental Trauma

Our office offers emergent dental care after hours for patients of record. If your child experiences any of the following, please reach out to our team at Alpine Kids Dentistry.

Toothache
Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain still exists, contact your child’s dentist. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact your dentist immediately.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the hospital emergency room.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth (True dental emergency)
If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on gauze or washcloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Knocked Out Baby Tooth
Contact your pediatric dentist during business hours. This is not usually an emergency, and in most cases, no treatment is necessary.

Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth
Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If possible, locate and save any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you to the dentist.

Chipped or Fractured Baby Tooth
Contact your pediatric dentist.

Severe Blow to the Head
Take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.

Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw
Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Mouthguards

When a child begins to participate in recreational activities and organized sports, injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your child’s smile, and should be used during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth.

Mouthguards help prevent broken teeth, and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in place while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe.

Ask Dr. Brown about custom and store-bought mouth protectors.