Have fun and together let’s all be Tooth Defenders
Written by: Colgate Professional
Welcome to Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures! You are now part of a 21-year legacy that brings positive oral health messages to children across the world.
Bright Smiles, Bright Futures gives teachers, children and families around the world the tools they need to make good oral health a permanent part of their lives. With the focus on prevention, the program builds self-esteem and teaches good oral health practices to create lifelong habits. And most importantly, BSBF inspires kids to take control of their own oral health. Its messages of empowerment
enable children to not only understand “what” to do to take care of their teeth and gums, but also the “why” behind the messages. In this way, BSBF equips them to become lifelong Tooth Defenders.
Dental Emergency!
Different situations call for different actions.
TOOTHACHE
• Rinse out mouth vigorously with warm water.
• Use dental floss to remove any food trapped between teeth. If there’s swelling, apply cold pressure on the outside on the cheek.
Do not use heat or place aspirin on aching teeth or gums.
• See a dentist as soon as possible.
OBJECT WEDGED BETWEEN TEETH
• Try to remove objects with dental floss. Guide the floss carefully to prevent cutting gums.
• If an object can’t be removed at home, see a dentist.
• Do not try to remove the object with a sharp or pointed implement.
BITTEN LIP OR TONGUE
• Give your child some pain relief.
• If there is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the area.
• Use ice every 10 – 15 minutes to relieve the swelling.
• If the bleeding continues, call your dentist or visit a emergency medical practice.
KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH
• Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area for about 20 – 30 mins.
• If the bleeding still doesn’t stop, call your dentist or visit an emergency medical practice.
• If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it under running water. Do not scrub it.
• Do not try to insert a baby tooth back in the socket.
• For a permanent tooth, gently insert it in its socket. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or cool water.
• Immediately go to your dentist.
• Don’t forget to take the tooth.
BROKEN TOOTH
• Remove the broken tooth or part of the tooth if this can be done easily.
• Apply direct pressure to the area with a clean cloth.
• To minimize swelling, apply cold pressure on the face in the area of the injured tooth.
• Gently clean dirt or debris from the injured area with warm water.
• If the tooth is still fixed, cover any sharp edges with a protective device like soft wax, or even chewing gum.
• Immediately go to your dentist.
Prevention is Key, why is that?
Simply because prevention is always more effective than treatment.