Emergencies

Your Local Honolulu Pediatric Dentist

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Thank you for choosing Pediatric Dentistry Kahala. Our staff is committed to offering you the best pediatric dentistry in and around Honolulu. You can expect a caring, comfortable, and personalized experience. Instilling good habits at an early age is crucial for your child’s future dental health. Please take a look at some minor problems that can be temporarily fixed on your own until your next scheduled appointment.

Here are some ways you can handle minor problems on your own with your appliances or braces.

Tooth Ache

First, clean around the tooth that is causing pain. Do this by using salt water and rinse out any food in between your teeth. NEVER use aspirin on the sore tooth or on the gum. If facial swelling occurs, place a cold compress or an ice pack covered with a paper towel. Acetaminophen can relieve pain temporarily, but we recommend seeing Dr. Hirai as soon as possible.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

Apply ice to any bruised areas. If there is blood, apply gentle yet firm pressure with a clean cloth. If this does not stop the bleeding, go to the emergency room.

Broken Tooth

Use warm water to rinse the area. Place a cold compress on the facial area of the injury. If you are able to gather any broken tooth fragments, collect them and bring them in with you when you seek immediate dental attention.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

If you are able to recover the tooth, hold it by the crown (top). While we advise rinsing the tooth, do not try to clean or handle the knocked out tooth any more than necessary. After you have rinsed the tooth, attempt to reinsert it into the socket by holding it in place with a clean piece of cloth. In the case that you are unable to reinsert the tooth, place it in a cup of milk or water. Please bring it with you and seek immediate dental attention.

Possible Broken Jaw

Jaw injuries should be taken very seriously. Attempt to tie your mouth closed with a towel or tie and seek immediate medical attention.

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out

Losing a baby tooth can be very exciting! Bleeding after losing a tooth is common and the best way to handle it is by placing a piece of gauze over the bleeding area. Bite down on gauze for 15 minutes. You should only see a dentist if the bleeding continues.

Cold or Canker Sores

Cold or canker sores can be uncomfortable but are treatable with over-the-counter medications that provide temporary relief.

Contact Our Kahala Office

If your situation cannot be handled on your own, please call us as soon as possible at (808) 737-0076. If the office is closed, leave a message and a telephone number or use the provided contact number on our automated answering machine. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

In the event of a more dangerous situation, please seek immediate attention.