No matter how hard we try as parents to keep our children safe from harm, some incidents are difficult to avoid. Whether your little one chipped a tooth while playing at the playground or got a mouth injury while doing sports, dental emergencies can be scary.
That's why we've gathered here some of the most common dental emergencies for kids together with tips on how to deal with them.
A knocked-out tooth may sound like a nightmare for most parents, but the reality is that it happens more often than not. That's why it's important to know what you need to do.
First of all, try to control the bleeding. Then, try to find the tooth and wash it to remove any dirt and debris. Don't bother finding the tooth if it's a primary one as the dentist won't try to put it back. If it's an adult tooth then, tuck it inside your child's cheeks or place it in a container with cold milk to preserve it.
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency, so you will need to take your child to the dentist right away.
If your child chipped, cracked, or fractured a tooth because of trauma, ask them to rinse their mouth with water to remove any dirt or parts that may be stuck. Look for any bleeding or swelling and place a cold compress on the injury site if it's swollen. Look for the tooth fragments and take them to the emergency room with you. Based on the severity of the fracture, the dentist will determine the best treatment and whether they can use the teeth fragments.
In some instances, the tooth doesn't get knocked out or cracked, but it becomes loose after an accident.
You don't have to worry that much if a primary tooth becomes loose. First of all, they are bound to fall off anyway. And, even if it's too early, the pediatric dentist can place spacers to make sure that the permanent teeth will grow properly.
Not all toothaches require emergency care. In some instances, you can control the pain until your child's next appointment. But, if the pain is severe and is affecting their ability to eat and sleep properly, then they may be dealing with a tooth infection and may need treatment right away.
We get it! Seeing your child in pain can be terrifying. But know that at Desert Kids Dental you will find a team of competent and compassionate doctors. We will work hard to make your child feel safe and give them the best treatment based on their needs.
Whether it's an emergency or you just want to schedule a regular appointment, you can count on us for a wide range of dental services.