Lip or Cheek Bites - OUCH!

Ouch! Your child just had a dental procedure and bit his/her cheek? What do you do next?

The cheek or tongue will be swollen, red/white, hot, and painful.  Sometimes parents mistake the chewed up area for infection, but it is injured tissue that will heal without antibiotics. Apply ice packs for first 3 days. Ice packs should be placed for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, for 1 hour, 3 times a day. Rinse with salt water two times a day for 3 days. Give your child Tylenol or Motrin for pain. You can apply topical numbing ointments available over-the-counter at any pharmacy.

Call Smiles for Kids Pediatric Dentistry at 713-461-1509 if the wound does not heal in 5-7 days or if it seems infected. Dr. Lindhorst or Dr. Jadav will take a look and let you know if you child needs any further intervention.