Emergency Dentist for a Child
Accidents happen often and are unpredictable with children. It is part of a child growing up. It might be a fall in the playground, knocking out a tooth, or biting their cheek or tongue, the treatment begins with you the parent. You start by remaining calm because your child will mirror your emotions. You need to be a parent first and address the precise moment before you jump to any conclusions. Here are a few tips for a dental emergency with your child.
Tips for Different Dental Emergencies for Children
You first want to check for any bleeding. If there is bleeding, then stop the bleeding first by applying pressure. Once the bleeding has stopped, you next will want to clean the wound and now you can assess the severity of the injury. You will naturally calm the child by taking charge and then you can get an assessment of their pain or discomfort. The next step is to place a call to your dental office. If they do not answer they will call back or give you directions through a message.
Trauma to the mouth can result in bleeding or lacerations that may need attention. Especially if a tooth is fractured, broken, or dislodged. These circumstances will require immediate dental emergency attention.
- A Knocked-out Tooth- Do what you can to preserve the tooth that has been broken off or knocked out. Keep any fragments and keep the tooth moist. Put it in a tea bag or a milk and water solution. If you can get to the dentist right after the accident, it is possible the tooth can be saved.
- Loose Tooth- A loose baby tooth is completely normal and expected but a loose permanent tooth is not. If a baby tooth becomes loose but it seems unnatural your dentist may choose to remove the tooth to allow for a permanent tooth to erupt properly. They can introduce a spacer if it is too early.
- A Cracked or Broken Tooth- Rinse their mouth with warm water and make sure there are not any fragments for your child to swallow. Try to get an emergent appointment to possibly bond the fragment back to the tooth.
- A Toothache- This situation can be quite broad depending on your child and the situation. It can be a minor irritation that is not normal, to an infection, or a true dental emergency. First, gently brush and floss their teeth to make sure that all food particles are removed, then rinse with warm water. Aspirin should treat any mild pain until you can be seen by your dentist.
- A Broken Jaw- Try to immobilize their jaw and minimize any movement and then take your child to the emergency room as soon as possible. Add an ice pack to help control the swelling.
Preventing Pediatric Dental Emergencies
If your child is extremely active and participates in sports at a young age, then introduce them to a mouthguard. This will protect their teeth in almost all situations. Teaching them good oral hygiene habits at home will reduce or eliminate otherwise unnecessary emergency dental situations.