Maintaining good oral health is crucial for everyone, including children. Dental issues can harm your kid’s overall health. While there are things we can’t avoid or control as parents, oral care is within our power to manage. Kids will be kids, and dental emergencies are something that we should be prepared for.
Dental emergencies are unexpected oral health issues that require immediate attention. A few examples are toothaches, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and in rare cases, small objects that get stuck inside our kids’ teeth. Some dental emergencies are more severe than others, and as parents, it’s one of our responsibilities to ensure we are prepared for them. In this article, we will be dealing with children’s dental emergencies and how we can help.
What are common dental emergencies among children?
Toothache
A toothache is a typical dental emergency in children and can be caused by a cavity, infection, or injury. This dental emergency can lead to endless crying and sleepless nights for you and your kid. Take your child to a pediatric dentist nearby to determine the root cause of their toothache. Giving them a cold compress can also help in relieving the pain.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Trauma or damage may cause a tooth to break or chip. Symptoms include pain, sensitivity, and sharp edges that can irritate the tongue and cheeks. If your children enjoy playing rough, you can expect this dental emergency. If you see or suspect your child has a cracked or shattered tooth, you must take it to the nearest dental clinic. If it is not possible yet, here are some steps to take for first aid:
- Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area around the broken or chipped tooth.
- If bleeding, have your child bite down on a clean cloth or piece of gauze until the bleeding stops.
- If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
- If you can find broken tooth pieces, rinse them with water and store them in a clean container with a small amount of milk or saliva.
Remember to gently handle the broken or chipped tooth and avoid putting pressure on it. Your child’s broken or chipped tooth can be repaired and restored to its natural function and appearance with prompt care and attention.
Knocked-out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth can be a scary experience for both children and parents. It usually happens if your child bumps into something hard or falls. But don’t worry, it can be fixed, but that still depends. If the tooth is saved and re-implanted within 30 minutes, it can often be saved. The common symptoms include bleeding and swelling of the gums. If your child has a dental emergency, acting quickly is essential. Take them to the nearest dental clinic or emergency hospital as soon as possible to ensure they receive proper care.
Object Stuck in Teeth
This is a very rare case, but since kids are somehow playful enough to eat anything they laid their hands on, some objects may get stuck inside their teeth. An object stuck in the teeth can cause discomfort, and pain, potentially leading to infection. Parents should try to remove the object with floss or dental instruments but remember to be very careful as we don’t want to damage their teeth or gums. If the object cannot be removed, seek professional help.
When should you seek professional help?
While some dental emergencies can be treated at home, others require immediate attention from a dental professional. Here are some signs of a severe dental emergency that need prompt treatment:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe pain that does not subside
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling in the face or gums
- High fever
Finding an emergency pediatric dentist who can provide prompt treatment is vital if your child has a dental emergency. But remember, general dentists are different from pediatric dentists. Kids should see a pediatric dentist until they are 18 and above. This is to ensure they get the care catered to children.
Look no further than Junior Smiles of Stafford if you need a pediatric dentist in Woodbridge, VA. With a team of experienced and compassionate pediatric dentists, they can provide comprehensive dental care for children of all ages, from infants to teens.
Final Thoughts: Dealing with Dental Emergencies
As a parent or caregiver, you have a vital role in maintaining your child’s dental health. This article discusses why children’s dental health is important and offers guidance on managing dental emergencies. We’ve covered common dental emergencies in children, first aid, and when to seek professional help.
Dealing with dental emergencies can be a challenging part of being a parent, but it can also be a teaching moment for your child. Do some first aid, or take them to the dentist, then explain how that happens and how they can prevent it in the future. Remember, accidents are normal, but as parents, we need to be the ones to teach them the proper way and be prepared for any emergencies.
