How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies in Children

As parents, we are devoted to taking care of our children’s well-being, and we ought to ensure they are comfortable, from avoiding back pain to teeth emergencies.

Dental emergencies can happen to children at any moment, and if you’re a parent, it’s important to know how to handle them. Whether it’s chipped or cracked teeth, pain due to an infected tooth root canal, or anything else related to the gums or teeth—it’s best for parents to stay prepared with knowledge about dental emergency protocols and other relevant information. This blog post will discuss common dental emergencies in children and give practical advice on what parents should do in these situations. We will also include key takeaways essential for every family so they can be ready whenever unexpected oral health issues arise. In addition, in the realm of pediatric dental care for young children, knowing how to handle common dental emergencies, like a knocked-out tooth or sudden toothache, is paramount for parents and caregivers.

What are dental emergencies?

In general, a dental emergency can be defined as any event involving excessive bleeding, facial bone trauma, and other conditions. Immediately call your local emergency room or dental professional if you have any of these symptoms. There are two primary classifications for dental disorders to keep in mind.

Urgent dental treatment is less urgent than emergency dental care. Urgent dental care procedures are just what their name implies: they are urgent.

Are you dealing with a dental emergency?

It is important to find a pediatric dentist in Embrey Mills, VA, like Junior Smiles of Stafford, when your child experiences a dental emergency. The proper action must be taken as soon as possible to minimize the long-term effects on their smile and oral health. Be sure to remain calm and talk to your pediatric dentist if you have questions about what should be done. If your child is going through an emergency situation, don’t wait – time is of the essence.

Common Dental Emergencies in Children

1.   Toothache

If your child is suffering from a toothache, have them rinse their mouth with warm water. Then, floss lightly to remove any debris or food that may be trapped and causing discomfort. Call your pediatric dentist to book an appointment if the tooth continues to pain. There is a belief that placing aspirin on a tooth and gums may cure a toothache. However, this is not a smart idea and can potentially cause gum tissue to burn.

Giving your child an over-the-counter painkiller might help relieve toothache until you can reach the dentist’s office. If your kid develops face swelling and significant tooth pain, this might indicate an infection that could spread if not addressed immediately. Therefore, it is essential to contact the dentist immediately. In the meantime, apply a cool compress to your child’s face to reduce swelling.

2.   Tooth Sensitivity

Has your youngster developed a sudden intolerance to hot or cold foods? If so, there are several possible explanations for this. For instance, an injury or cavity might be the cause of the severe discomfort people experience when consuming afflicted foods.

Instead of telling them to be patient, arranging an emergency dentist appointment is advisable. The dental professional will be able to evaluate your kid, identify the underlying source of the problem, and assist you in treating it.

3.   Knocked Out Tooth

If a child’s tooth has been totally knocked out, it is imperative to see the pediatric dentist immediately. In general, pediatric dentists do not attempt to reimplant avulsed primary (baby) teeth, as the reimplantation operation might cause harm to the tooth bud and, consequently, the developing permanent tooth.

Unless trauma has caused irreversible damage, pediatric dentists will always attempt to reimplant avulsed permanent teeth. Time is important, as the reimplantation operation is nearly usually more effective if conducted within one hour of the avulsion.

How you can help:

• Obtain the tooth. Avoid contact with the tooth roots! Handle only the crown.
• Rinse the tooth with water to remove dirt and debris without scrubbing or scraping.
• For older children, use mild pressure to reinsert the tooth into its natural socket or persuade the kid to place the tooth in the cheek pouch. For small toddlers, place the tooth in milk or saliva (do not attempt to reinsert the tooth in case the child swallows it).
• Avoid allowing the tooth to dry out during transit. Moisture is crucial to the effectiveness of reimplantation.
• Visit the pediatric dentist (if possible) or take the kid to the emergency room as soon as possible; time is of the essence for preserving the tooth.

4.   Cracked Tooth

If your child’s tooth is cracked, you are likely unsure of what to do. In a dental emergency, however, chipped or cracked teeth are more likely to result from trauma than poor oral hygiene. Children may be struck in the face while practicing sports. Sometimes, children tumble and fall, breaking a tooth. A chipped or cracked tooth requires dental care, regardless of the cause.

Before heading to the dentist:

• Clean the mouth of your youngster with clean water.
• Place a cold compress on the child’s face where the injury happened if you observe any swelling.
• If you find the tooth piece, you should attempt to preserve it and bring it to your emergency dentist.
• Your child’s pediatric dentist will select the proper dental treatment, and you will be given care instructions for the restored tooth when you return home.

5.   Suspected Broken Jaw

You must seek immediate medical attention if you suspect your kid has a broken jaw. A strike strong enough to fracture a child’s jaw might potentially produce a concussion, necessitating evaluation. Apply a cold compress to the jaw to reduce swelling before going to the hospital.

Following these procedures can help you manage typical pediatric dental crises. The most crucial factor is to maintain composure and act swiftly.