Dental Care

It's often hard to tell if bleeding in the mouth is serious because blood mixed with saliva can look like a large amount on a pillow or sheet. As some mouth bleeding can be dangerous, it's wise to call your HTC whenever oral bleeding occurs. Before you call, look in your child's mouth and try to locate the source of the bleeding.

Mouth bleeding can be hard to detect and stop, and it can take up to two weeks to heal. Be aware that:

• Your child can swallow a large amount of blood, leaving the bleeding undetected. If your child becomes pale and lethargic, or vomits blood (which looks like coffee grounds), check for mouth bleeding
• You can't put on a bandage
• The moist environment of the mouth and enzymes in the saliva break down clots as they form

To control bleeding in the mouth:

• Apply pressure to stop bleeding
  
  Apply gentle, firm pressure to the site of bleeding with a clean gauze, washcloth, or moist tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea leaves causes blood vessels to constrict. Holding an ice pack gently against the face or eating a Popsicle may also help stop minor oozing.
• Take precautions to speed healing
  
  Feed your child soft foods, served cold or at room temperature. Hot foods can make the clot dissolve. Brush the teeth very gently or use a cotton swab to clean them. While the mouth is healing, discourage your child from sucking on straws or rinsing the mouth too vigorously, as this may dislodge the clot.

As children become more active and mobile, mouth injuries become more common. When bumps, falls, and collisions occur, teeth can get chipped, cracked, broken, or knocked out. Teeth may also get damaged if your child grinds his or her teeth while sleeping.

• Act fast to save a knocked-out tooth—Pick up the tooth by the crown or top. Try not to touch the roots. Gently rinse off the tooth and find a way to keep it moist. Get to a dentist or dental emergency room as soon as you can. Apply firm pressure to the bleeding site until you reach the dentist. Call your HTC for advice
• Seek prompt treatment for chipped teeth—If you are able to retrieve the chipped piece, take it to the dentist. Have the dentist file down any sharp edges that could cut your child's tongue or cheek