Dr. Lee Baker
Dr. Melissa Shaw
1243 Augusta West Pkwy.
Augusta, GA 30909
706-855-8989
706-855-0321 fax
appointments@drleebaker.com
Patient Education
Emergencies
Toothache
If your child has a toothache, first clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm saltwater to dislodge trapped food or debris. It is important that you don’t place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and call our office as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
If your child cuts or bites their tongue, lip or cheek, apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If the bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take your child to a hospital emergency room for care.
Broken Braces and Wires
If a broken orthodontic appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it can’t, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheek or tongue, do not remove it. Contact your orthodontist immediately or contact Dr. Baker if your orthodontist is unavailable. Loose or broken appliances which do not bother your child do not usually require emergency attention.
Broken Tooth
If your child breaks their tooth in an accident, rinse any dirt from the injured area with warm water. Place a cold compress over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments, placing them in a cup of milk. Contact our office immediately for emergency dental care.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
If your child looses a permanent tooth, find the tooth as soon as possible. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but do not clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert the tooth in its socket, and have your child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. Call our office immediately! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
Other Emergencies
Broken Jaw
If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie or handkerchief tied vertically around your child’s head. Take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Bleeding After Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area, and have your child bite on the gauze for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once. If bleeding persists, see Dr. Baker as soon as possible.
Cold Sores or Canker Sores
Many children suffer from the occasional cold sore or canker sore. There are over-the-counter treatments available for relief. However, because some serious diseases may begin as sores, it is important for Dr. Baker to see your child if the sores persist.