Children are prone to accidents. Because of this, a pediatric dental emergency can happen anytime and anywhere. Knowing what to do when you face this problem can make the difference between saving your child’s tooth and serious damage to their smile.
When your child suffers a dental emergency, it’s vital not to panic. Instead, reach out to your local dental experts at Splendid Dental Atascotia. We can handle a wide array of issues, and we strive to provide a comfortable, warm environment where your child can relax. Please contact our team today at 713-244-7790 to make an appointment.
What to Do During a Pediatric Dental Emergency
No parent wants to see their baby in pain. Pediatric dentist emergency care is essential to relieve oral pain immediately. These services can also help with structural damage to teeth and solve other issues that could worsen over time if left alone. If your child is experiencing one of many dental issues, you need to treat it properly.
Broken Teeth
It’s very common for children to have fractured or broken teeth due to sports and other activities. When this happens, rinse their mouth using warm water and apply a cold compress to decrease swelling. Also, locate the fragment of the tooth that broke off. This way, the risk of injuring other areas of the mouth will be reduced.
Knocked-out Tooth
If a baby tooth is knocked out, call your dentist immediately. When there is bleeding, rinse your child’s mouth with water. You may also apply a cold compress on the inside of the mouth to relieve swelling. As much as possible, try your best to keep your child calm. Never try to reinsert the baby tooth since you may risk damaging the permanent tooth growing underneath.
For a permanent tooth, find the tooth and rinse it with water. Never use soap or scrub it. Place it in the socket and hold it with a washcloth or gauze. If it won’t fit and you’re scared your child will swallow it, you can temporarily put it in milk until you can visit the dentist.
Bitten Tongue or Lip
If your child bites their lip or tongue, clean it gently using water and then apply a cold compress. Depending on the severity of this pediatric dental emergency, go to the emergency room or dentist’s office as soon as possible.
Tooth Sensitivity
Similar to adults, children can also suffer from tooth sensitivity. However, the causes are not the same. Toddlers experience sensitivity in their baby teeth, and older ones may experience this because of a cavity or a recent injury. As much as possible, this type of pediatric dental emergency needs to be evaluated by a professional.
Toothache
When your child is experiencing an extreme toothache, rinse their mouth using warm water. Use dental floss to see if there’s any food caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin on the child’s gums or tooth since it can burn their gum tissue. Also, ask your child if they are feeling pressure and ear pain along with their toothache.
Broken Jaw
This type of pediatric dental emergency is very dangerous. If you think your child broke their jaw, apply a cold compress to reduce the swelling. Then, visit your dentist immediately.
Decay
Permanent teeth and baby teeth can be affected by cavities or dental decay. Thankfully, this type of problem can be treated immediately. Some signs of cavities include tooth sensitivity or pain.
Abscess
In some cases, children can experience this extremely painful infection, which starts to form inside the tooth’s root. This needs to be treated, or else it can spread to other areas in the body. The symptoms can include:
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Fever
- Swollen gums
- Pain
Something Caught in Between the Teeth
If your child has something lodged between their teeth, use dental floss to remove it. Never use a sharp metal or plastic substitute. If you are unable to remove it, contact your dentist to fix this pediatric dental emergency.
Splendid Dental Atascocita Is Here to Help You
We do hope that your child never needs emergency service. Unfortunately, it’s unavoidable in many cases. Our mission is to help your kid achieve amazing dental health. We provide a wide array of dental treatments in addition to our pediatric dentistry services, including:
We can help your child have a healthy and beautiful smile. If there is a pediatric dental emergency at hand, call Splendid Dental Atascocita at 713-244-7790 for assistance.
