What Every Parent Should Know
As a parent, you want to keep your child safe and healthy at all times. However, accidents can happen, and dental emergencies can occur at any time. Dental emergencies can be scary, but knowing how to identify them and what steps to take can help you act quickly and prevent the problem from getting worse.
If you have any concerns or questions about a dental emergency in your child, don’t hesitate to contact our pediatric dentist for assistance. Call (715) 646-2161 to schedule an appointment with one of the top dentists in Centuria, WI.
Identifying Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and it’s important to be able to identify them so that you can act quickly and prevent the problem from worsening. Here are some common dental emergencies in children and what to do if they occur:
Toothache
If your child complains of a toothache, it could be a sign of a cavity or infection. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or pain when biting down. To help alleviate the pain, rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area. Make sure to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Knocked-out Tooth
If your child’s tooth gets knocked out, it’s important to act quickly to try to save the tooth. Rinse the tooth with water to clean it and try to place it back in the socket. If it doesn’t go back in easily, place it in a glass of milk and contact your dentist immediately. The chances of saving the tooth decrease with time, so it’s important to act quickly.
Broken Tooth
If your child’s tooth is broken, try to locate the broken piece and keep it in a glass of milk. Rinse the affected area with warm water and use a cold compress on the outside of the affected area to help reduce swelling and pain. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment. Depending on the severity of the break, your dentist may recommend a filling or a crown to restore the tooth.
Object Stuck in Teeth
If your child has an object stuck between their teeth, try to gently remove it with dental floss. Don’t use a sharp object to try to remove it as this can damage the gums or teeth. If you’re unable to remove the object, contact your dentist for assistance.
Lost Filling or Crown
If your child’s filling or crown falls out, rinse the affected area with warm water and try to locate the filling or crown. If you’re unable to locate it, contact your dentist for assistance. Your dentist will need to replace the filling or crown to prevent the tooth from becoming further damaged or infected.
Steps to Take in an Emergency
If your child experiences a dental emergency, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the problem from worsening. Here are some steps to take in an emergency:
- Stay calm: Your child may be scared or in pain, so it’s important to remain calm and reassure them.
- Rinse with warm water: Rinse the affected area with warm water to help clean out any debris or blood.
- Use a cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the affected area to help reduce swelling and pain.
- Contact your dentist: Call your dentist immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.
Treatment and Management of Dental Emergencies
The type of treatment your child will need for a dental emergency will depend on the severity of the problem. Your dentist may recommend:
- Fillings: If your child has a cavity, your dentist will need to fill it to prevent the problem from worsening.
- Root canal treatment: If your child has an infected tooth, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
- Extraction: If your child’s tooth is too damaged to save, it may need to be extracted.
During an emergency dental visit, your pediatric dentist will also provide pain management options to help your child feel more comfortable. This may include local anesthesia, oral sedation, or nitrous oxide.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Preventing dental emergencies is the best way to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong. Here are some tips for preventing dental emergencies:
- Encourage Good Oral Hygiene: Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day and flosses daily.
- Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugary foods and drinks can contribute to tooth decay and other dental problems.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If your child participates in sports, make sure they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Make sure your child sees a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Toothaches can be caused by various factors, including cavities, gum disease, dental trauma, and teeth grinding. If you can’t see anything wrong with the tooth, schedule a dental appointment to have your child evaluated by a dentist, as it may be a fractured tooth. In the meantime, you can help alleviate the pain by rinsing their mouth with warm salt water and using a cold compress on the outside of the affected area.
It’s common for a child’s gums to bleed when they lose a baby tooth, as the tooth is held in place by a ligament that needs to be broken down for the tooth to come out. However, if the bleeding is excessive or lasts for a long time, contact your dentist for advice.
Many dental offices have emergency phone numbers you can call outside regular business hours. If you’re unable to reach your dentist, seek medical attention at an urgent care facility or emergency room.