Wearing a mouth guard during sports activities is an essential preventive measure to safeguard your oral health against potential injuries. Engaging in physical sports increases the risk of damaging teeth and jaw, but a properly fitted mouth guard acts as a protective barrier, minimizing the impact of blows and collisions. It’s crucial to maintain the hygiene of your mouth guard by cleaning it before and after each use, storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its integrity. Avoiding exposure to high heat is also vital to prevent warping or damage, ensuring your mouth guard remains effective and comfortable to wear during your sporting endeavors.
Instructions Following a Prophy (Cleaning)
Your child may experience some tenderness for a day or two. If this persists, you may have them rinse with warm salt water 2-3 times per day. For discomfort you may also give your child Children’s Tylenol, Advil or Motrin as directed for the age and weight of your child.
Instructions Following Fluoride Treatment
Patients should not rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes to maximize the fluoride’s direct contact with the teeth.
Instructions Following Sealant Placement
Your child may notice that the tooth feels different because of the new sealant. The teeth and bite will feel normal again in a couple of days. Your child should avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods for 24 hours following the placement of the sealant.
Instructions Following Anesthesia
Monitor your child closely for approximately two hours following the appointment. It is often wise to keep your child on a liquid or soft diet until the anesthetic has worn off. Remind your child to refrain from touching, biting, sucking, or playing with the numb area.
Instructions Following Restorative Treatment (Filling or Crown)
Make certain that your child is not eating or chewing while numb. Please make sure they do not bite their cheeks, lips, or tongue as doing so can cause injury to the soft tissue. Your child should avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods for 24 hours. If your child experiences sensitivity or discomfort, you may give your child Children’s Tylenol, Advil or Motrin as directed for the age and weight of your child.
Instructions Following Pulp Treatment (Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy/Baby Root Canal)
If your child is experiencing sensitivity after this treatment, you may give your child Children’s Tylenol, Advil or Motrin as directed for the age and weight of your child. If sensitivity or discomfort continues for more than 24 hours, please contact our office.
Instructions Following an Extraction
Please instruct your child not to rinse, spit, or drink through a straw. Have them keep their fingers and tongue away from the area. If unusual or sustained bleeding occurs, place slightly moistened cotton gauze firmly over the extraction area, and bite down or hold in place for thirty minutes. Repeat every thirty minutes until the area is no longer bleeding. Maintain a soft diet for a day or two or until the child feels comfortable eating normally again. Avoid strenuous exercise and physical activity for the rest of the day after the extraction. For discomfort use Children’s Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin as directed for the age and weight of your child. If sensitivity or discomfort continues for more than 24 hours, please contact our office.