Tips for Dealing With Kid’s Dental Emergencies
August 8th, 2010 by Bill E. Kidd
Knowing how to proceed during a child’s dental emergency can not only save them pain, but it could save their teeth as well.
So while it is frightening to see your child in pain, with a mouth full of blood, just remember the following advice and you both will be fine.
Knocked Out Teeth: Kid’s Dental Emergencies
Let’s face it, kids can sometimes be anything but graceful. They lose teeth in a variety of ways.
Being elbowed during a sports game, trying to chew on foreign objects, and much more. The first thing to do when this occurs is rinse the tooth in cool water.
Make sure just to rinse the tooth – don’t scrub. Try to put the tooth back in place, but don’t force it, and take care not to touch the root.
If you cannot get the tooth to stay in place, put it into a container with cold milk. Take it (and your child!) to the dentist within 30-60 minutes. The tooth can most likely be saved within this time frame.
Baby teeth are important to the introduction of adult teeth. Besides this, they are important for the child to eat properly, and for their self-confidence. Even if a knocked out tooth is a baby one, please do not ignore it!
Kid’s Dental Emergencies: Chipped Teeth
A chipped tooth can occur during playtime, while participating in sports, or even while eating. When a child’s tooth is damaged, it must seen by a dentist to make sure infection doesn’t set in. If your little one complains of pain or sensitivity, call your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
The nerve may be damaged, and the dentist can perform a treatment that will stop the pain.
Kid’s Dental Emergencies: Pain, Bleeding, and Swelling
Swelling, pain, and bleeding are common when there is trauma to the mouth. Ice packs or even popsicles can help to ease this. If your little one is old enough, pain relievers such as Advil or Tylenol may be given.
If bleeding occurs, apply light pressure to the afflicted area. If it doesn’t stop withing 20-30 minutes, a visit to the ER may be necessary as stitches may be required. Many times though, these areas can heal themselves just fine – but the bleeding must be controlled.
Parenting brings a variety of surprises, and dealing with kid’s dental emergencies just comes with the territory. Knowing the above tips and keeping a level head will significantly help in helping your child and you get through any problems.
Keep the emergency phone number for your dentist in a conspicuous spot, such as on your refrigerator. And remember – prompt treatment is crucial for proper healing.
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