ADVICE ON HOW TO HANDLE A KID’S DENTAL EMERGENCY

It’s sad and a bit scary when an adult faces a dental emergency — but it’s even worse when a child faces one of these situations! Whether your little one has a sudden toothache or suffers trauma that endangers their smile, the first thing you should do is reassure them that everything is going to be all right. Then, apply the following advice to handle your kid’s dental emergency and get their oral health back on track as soon as possible.

An Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Tooth

When an impact forces one of your child’s teeth out of their mouth, call your emergency dentist for kids right away. It’s important for your little one to receive prompt treatment even if they tooth they lost was a baby one; if these teeth come out too early, it can compromise their smile’s long-term development. The dentist may be able to splint it in place and give it the opportunity to reattach itself.

To increase the chances that the tooth can be reattached, be sure to:

• Touch the tooth only by its crown (the part you normally see above the gums).
• Gently rinse off any debris.
• Replace the tooth in its socket or, if your child is very young and might accidentally swallow it, place it in a glass of milk or water.
• Use a cold, damp cloth on the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling.

Jaw Injury

If your child’s jaw suffers a serious injury, take them to the local emergency room right away so medical doctors can provide primary treatment. Then, schedule a follow-up appointment with your child’s dentist.

Tooth Pushed Into the Jawbone

If a primary (baby) tooth gets pushed into the jawbone, there is a risk that it could hinder the development of the teeth underneath it. Therefore, it’s important that you visit the dentist as soon as possible so they can evaluate the situation and recommend a treatment. In the meantime, rinse your child’s mouth with cold water and use a cloth-covered ice pack to manage the swelling.

Toothache

Sometimes, a toothache is simply the result of food or another object getting lodged between two teeth. If you can easily see the problem, use your fingers or floss to remove it. However, if you suspect the toothache is being caused by something else, such as infection or decay, schedule a dental appointment. You can also give your child a mild painkiller to help manage their discomfort.

Broken Tooth

If your child breaks a tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water. Use a cold compress and mild painkillers to relieve their discomfort. Also, try to find the part of the tooth that broke off, and store it in a glass of milk. Call your child’s dentist right away to schedule an emergency appointment.

About the Author

Dr. Weston Jones completed his pediatric residency in 2009. Ever since then, he has found great satisfaction in helping children to achieve healthy smiles. If your young one ever experiences a dental emergency, Dr. Jones would be happy to help. You can contact our office at 432-231-1011.