Pediatric dental emergencies can be frightening for both the child and their parent. In this blog post, we will look at some common causes of these emergencies, and what you should do if your child experiences one.
Baby Teeth
If you find yourself in a situation where a baby tooth is knocked out, it is important to have them examined right away. Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Taking quick action can lessen a child’s discomfort while also preventing the chance of infection.
Rinse your child’s mouth with cold water and apply a cold compress to the area to help alleviate any pain. It’s important that you spend time comforting the child rather than looking for the tooth. Even if you are able to locate the tooth, baby teeth shouldn’t be replanted because of the problems it can cause with the development of a child’s permanent teeth.
Permanent Teeth
If you have an older child that loses a permanent tooth in a sporting or other accident, the first thing you should do is rinse the tooth very gently with milk. Be sure not to use soap or water to clean the tooth. Be sure to hold the tooth by the crown (top) and not the root end, making sure not to handle the tooth more than necessary.
Replace the tooth in the tooth socket and hold it there with clean gauze or cloth. If it’s not possible to put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container, preferably with cold milk. The cold milk will help to preserve it until you are able to get to the dentist. If milk is not readily available, put it in a container with the child’s saliva but not in water.
Take your child to their pediatric dental office immediately or call their emergency number if it is after hours.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
If your child finds themself with a chipped or broken tooth, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Fast action can help save the tooth, prevent infection, and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress over the facial area of the injury to reduce swelling. If you are able to find the tooth fragment, take it to the dentist.
Preventing Pediatric Dental Emergencies
It is possible to reduce the chance of encountering pediatric dental emergencies. To do so:
1) Ensure your child practices good oral hygiene. Have your child brush their teeth twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste.
2) Visit the dentist every six months for cleanings, checkups, and dental x-rays. This will allow you to identify any problems before they escalate into emergencies.
3) Be sure your child wears a mouthguard when an activity involves the risk of falls, collisions, or contact with hard surfaces.
4) Pre-formed mouth guards can be purchased in many sporting goods stores or customized mouth guards can often be made by a pediatric dentist.
Cases That Typically Don’t Require an Emergency Visit
If your child is dealing with a cold sore or canker sore, over-the-counter medications will usually provide relief and the sore should heal in a few days on its own. If the sore persists, you may call our office for additional recommendations.
