Types of Dental Emergencies
Handling dental emergencies can be challenging, but knowing how to respond makes a big difference in the outcome, especially if your child’s tooth needs to be saved. Here are some common dental emergencies your child could experience:
Cracked/Chipped Tooth
If your child suffered a cracked or chipped tooth from an accident, it is important that they are seen for an evaluation and an X-ray as soon as possible. Until you are able to get into our office, make sure you control any bleeding by applying gauze to the area. Carefully rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling.
Bitten Check, Tongue Or Lip
Biting your check, tongue or lip can be very painful, especially for young children. We suggest cleaning the area with a damp washcloth and applying a cold compress. If the bleeding does not stop, seek emergency care immediately.
Knocked Out Tooth
It can be alarming if your child’s tooth comes out unexpectedly, whether it is a baby or permanent tooth. Please call our office immediately as we are often able to schedule a same-day emergency appointment.
Cold/Canker Sore
Cold sores usually go away in a few weeks, but if they persist, give our office a call and a team member will evaluate your child’s mouth to determine the best treatment. In the meantime, your child can rinse with warm salt water.
Loose Tooth
If a baby tooth becomes loose, it may be re-positioning itself or getting ready to fall out. However, sometimes an extraction may be necessary. For adult teeth, Dr. Johnson or Dr. Parker will want to see your child in our office to get a closer look at the tooth and determine the best course of action.
Broken Jaw
If you think your child may have broken their jaw, it is extremely important you stabilize the jaw and prevent any further movement. Seek immediate medical attention at your emergency room to ensure the health of your child.
Toothache
We recommend you first look in the tooth to see if there are any holes, abscesses or swelling and inflammation. After, use a piece of floss to gently clean between the teeth and gums to check for any food particles that may have become stuck. Make sure you clean the area, rinse with warm salt water and apply a cold compress as necessary. If pain persists, take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and call our office.
How To Reduce The Risk of Dental Emergencies
Preventing dental emergencies is key to keeping your child’s smile happy and healthy. While accidents can happen, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of injury or dental problems. Central Park Pediatric Dentistry is happy to give you a few practical tips to help protect your child’s teeth and gums from common dental emergencies.
- Encourage Good Oral Hygiene: Teach your child to brush and floss regularly to avoid developing any cavities or tooth decay.
- Wear Protective Gear: Ensure your child wears a mouthguard during sports or physical activity to protect their mouths from injuries that could result in dental emergencies.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Limit your child’s consumption of hard avoids and candies that can often lead to cracked or damaged teeth.
- Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist at Central Park Pediatric Dentistry every 6 months for a routine checkup to keep excellent oral health. This allows our team to catch any problems early on before they become worse.
- Child-Proof Your Home: Make sure sharp objects are out of reach and hard surfaces are cushioned to reduce the risk of falls and dental injuries.
Not Sure What To Do? We Can Help with Emergency Dental Care!
If your child injures themselves and you are not sure whether to come to our office or head to an emergency care center, contact us and ask! Most dental emergencies can be managed at home, but if your child is at risk of losing a tooth, we will get your child an appointment at one of our offices as soon as possible. If their jaw is injured or if excessive bleeding occurs, please visit an emergency center as soon as possible.