No one likes to think about their child experiencing a dental emergency, but it‘s important to be prepared in case it happens. This article will provide some tips on how to handle emergency dental care for your child.
How to Tell if Your Child is Having a Dental Emergency?
No parent wants to see their child in pain, but sometimes dental emergencies happen. If you’re not sure whether your child’s dental issue is an emergency, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call the dentist. Here are some common dental emergencies in children and how to tell if your child is having one.
Toothache: A toothache is usually a sign that there is decay or an infection in the tooth. If your child is complaining of a toothache, it’s best to call the dentist right away.
Knocked-Out Tooth: If your child has knocked out a tooth, it’s important to find the tooth and bring it with you to the dentist. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water but do not scrub it. Time is of the essence when it comes to a knocked-out tooth, so be sure to get to the dentist within 30 minutes if possible.
Broken Tooth: If your child has broken a tooth, it’s important to save any pieces of the tooth that you can find. Rinse the area with water and then apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Be sure to call the dentist right away.
Bleeding: If your child is bleeding from the mouth, it’s important to apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth. Once the bleeding has stopped, rinse the area with water and call the dentist.
If you’re ever unsure whether your child’s dental issue is an emergency, it’s best to call the dentist and ask. They will be able to give you advice on what to do and whether you need to come in for an appointment.
What to Do if Your Child Has a Dental Emergency
If your child has a dental emergency, it is important to take them to see a dentist as soon as possible. There are many different types of dental emergencies, and each one requires different treatment. Here are some common dental injuries & emergencies and what you can do to help your child:
If your child has a toothache, try to clean their teeth and gums with a toothbrush and toothpaste. If the pain persists, give them over-the-counter pain medication and take them to see the dentist.
If your child has a chipped or broken tooth, try to find the pieces of the tooth and bring them with you to the dentist. If the tooth is severely broken, your child may need a root canal or other treatment.
If your child has a loose tooth, do not try to wiggle or pull the tooth out. This can damage the surrounding teeth. Take your child to see the dentist so they can determine whether the tooth needs to be removed or not.
If your child has something stuck in their teeth, try to remove it with floss. If you cannot remove it with floss, take your child to see the dentist.
If your child has a bleeding wound in their mouth, apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop, take your child to see the dentist or go to the emergency room.
Dental emergencies can be frightening for both you and your child. However, by staying calm and taking your child to see the dentist, you can help them get the treatment they need.
Back to top: How to Handle Emergency Dental Care for Your Child