Emergency Dentist for Child
Accidents happen frequently with children. Its part of growing up. Whether it is falling on the playground and knocking out a tooth or biting their cheek or tongue, the procedure starts with you the parent. Remain calm, your child will mirror your emotions. Be a parent first and address the immediate moment before jumping to conclusions. Here are some tips for a potential dental emergency with your child.
Tips for Different Dental Emergencies for Children
In this order you first want to check for bleeding. If bleeding then stop the bleeding by applying pressure. After the bleeding as stopped you will want to clean the wound and at this point you can assess the severity of the injury. You will also calm the child down by taking charge and then you can also get a more realistic assessment of their pain or discomfort. The next step is to call your dental office. They will either answer, call back or give you directions through a message.
Any trauma to the mouth that results in bleeding and lacerations might need attention. Especially if a tooth is broken, dislodged or fractured. Then immediate dental emergency attention will be required.
A Knocked-out Tooth- Do your best to preserve the tooth that has been knocked out or broken off. Keep any fragments in place and keep the tooth moist. Place it in a tea bag or a milk and water solution. Even back into the child’s socket or in the mouth next to the cheek. If you can get to the dentist within 15 to 20 minutes, it is possible the tooth might be saved.
Loose Tooth- a loose baby tooth is normal and expected but a loose permanent tooth is another issue. If a baby tooth becomes loose and it seems unnatural the dentist may want to remove the tooth to allow the permanent tooth time to develop. A spacer can be introduced if too early.
A Cracked or Broken Tooth- Rinse the inside of the mouth with warm water and make sure there aren’t any fragments for the child to swallow. Do your best to get an appointment emergent to possibly bond the fragment to the tooth.
A Toothache- This can go all over the board depending on the child and the situation. A minor irritation that is not normal to an infection and a true dental emergency. Gently brush and floss to make sure that all food is removed then rinse with warm water. Baby aspirin should treat mild pain until you can be seen by the dentist
A Broken Jaw- Try to immobilize the jaw and minimize movement and then take that youngster to the emergency room as soon as possible. Use ice to help keep the swelling down.
Preventing Pediatric Dental Emergencies
If your youngster is extremely active and participating in sports at a young age introduce them to a mouthguard. This will protect the teeth in many situations. Teaching them good oral hygiene at home will eliminate otherwise unnecessary emergent dental situations.
More on Dental Emergencies : Emergency Dentist Tooth Extraction