Dental emergencies in children can happen without warning, and knowing how to handle them is crucial in minimizing damage and discomfort. This blog post will discuss some common dental emergencies kids face, their causes and symptoms, and how parents can deal with them effectively. We will also highlight how we at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry can assist you in managing these emergencies.
Deal With Dental Emergencies Promptly
Dental emergencies in children can cause great distress to both the child and the parent. Taking prompt action can minimize:
- Pain and discomfort
- Damage to teeth, gum, and the jaw bone
- Risk of infection
- Long-term effects on oral health and appearance
Knowing the right steps to take during these emergencies can greatly impact your child’s experience and recovery.
Common Dental Emergencies in Kids
- Toothache. Toothaches are common in children and can have various causes, such as tooth decay, infection, or injury.
- Symptoms
- Persistent or intermittent pain in the tooth
- Swelling around the affected area
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
- What Parents Can Do
- Rinse the child’s mouth with warm water to clean it.
- Help your child floss gently to remove any trapped food.
- Administer over-the-counter pain medication if needed, following the recommended dosage for your child’s age and weight.
- If the pain persists or worsens, contact your pediatric dentist for examination and treatment.
- Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth. Kids are often susceptible to chipping, cracking, or breaking their teeth due to falls or accidents while playing.
- Symptoms
- Pain or discomfort in the affected tooth
- A visible fracture or missing piece of the tooth
- Difficulty chewing or biting down on the affected side
- What Parents Can Do
- Rinse the child’s mouth gently with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek or lips over the affected area to reduce swelling.
- If there’s bleeding, have your child bite down gently on a clean piece of gauze or a wet tea bag.
- Collect any tooth fragments, store them in a container of milk or saliva, and bring them to the dentist.
- Contact your pediatric dentist immediately for advice and to schedule an appointment.
- Knocked-Out Tooth. A knocked-out tooth is a serious dental emergency that requires prompt attention.
- Symptoms
- An empty socket where the tooth was previously located
- Pain and bleeding from the affected area
- Swelling around the socket
- What Parents Can Do
- Find the knocked-out tooth and handle it by the crown, avoiding the root.
- Gently rinse the tooth with water without touching the root or removing any tissue fragments.
- If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket or keep it between the cheek and gum, but only if it’s a permanent tooth.
- For a baby tooth, do not try to reinsert it. Instead, show it to the pediatric dentist.
- Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Time is crucial in saving the tooth.
How Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry Can Help
At Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the anxiety that a dental emergency can cause. Dr. Henry Martinez and his team are committed to providing high-quality and timely care to your child. We have the experience and expertise to handle any dental emergency quickly and effectively, minimizing discomfort and damage.
If your child experiences a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us right away, call (602) 935-7427. Our team is here to help you and your child through the process. If you have any questions or concerns about dental emergencies in children, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry – we are here for you!
If you are searching for a kids dentist near me, contact Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry! We are your trusted pediatric dentist in Phoenix, AZ. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for your child’s oral health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Call 911 for a Dental Emergency?
If your child is in extreme pain, unresponsive, or experiencing heavy bleeding from the mouth, you should call 911 right away. However, for more minor dental emergencies, it is best to contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
What Should I Do if My Child Experiences a Dental Emergency?
It is important to take prompt action in the case of a dental emergency. First, you should assess the situation and determine the cause of the emergency. Check for any bleeding or signs of a cut. If there is bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a clean piece of gauze. Clean any open wounds and rinse the mouth gently with warm water. Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible for further advice and to schedule an appointment.
Should I Take My Child to the ER for a Toothache?
If your child has a toothache, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently floss the teeth to remove any food that might be stuck between the teeth. If the pain persists and you feel your child’s life is in danger, proceed to the ER, otherwise, contact your pediatric dentist.