Kids are active and inquisitive by nature, which can sometimes result in accidents, including dental emergencies. Knowing how to respond swiftly and effectively as a parent will prevent further problems and calm down your child. Frequent dental emergencies among children, what to do, and when to seek a children’s dentist in Millwoods will all be discussed in this book.
Common Dental Emergencies in Children
Children can experience different types of dental emergencies. Some of the most common ones include:
1. Chipped or Broken Tooth
Injuries while playing or in sports may cause a chipped or broken tooth. If your child has this, stay calm and take the proper steps for treatment.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
If a baby tooth is knocked out too early, it might not be necessary to reinsert it, but if a permanent tooth is knocked out, it needs immediate care.
3. Severe Tooth Pain
Relief from sudden or severe tooth pain in children is vital, as this can be a sign of decay, infection, or some other problem.
4. Object Stuck Between Teeth
Food fragments or tiny objects may become wedged between the teeth of a child and may cause pain or discomfort.
5. Bitten Tongue or Lip
Biting the lip or tongue causes bleeding and swelling. Caution has to be exercised to prevent infection.
6. Dental Abscess
An infection with pus around a tooth or gum is a severe condition that needs to be treated immediately.
How to Handle a Chipped Tooth in Kids
A chipped tooth is one of the most common childhood dental traumas. If your child chips a tooth, do the following:
- Stay Calm – Comfort your child and evaluate the situation.
- Rinse the Mouth – Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area and dislodge debris.
- Apply a Cold Compress – This may help minimize swelling and alleviate pain.
- Save the Tooth Fragment (If Available) – If the fragment is present, place it in milk and present it to the dentist.
- Seek a Dental Specialist – A children’s dentist in Millwoods can assess the degree of the fracture and provide guidance on the correct treatment.
Tooth Pain Relief for Kids
Toothaches can be painful for kids and might be due to cavities, infection, or trauma. If your child has toothache pain:
- Rinse with Warm Water – It assists in flushing out any food particles or irritants.
- Use a Cold Compress – Applying it to the exterior of the cheek will ease swelling and pain.
- Provide Child-Accessible Pain Reliever – Non-prescription pain medicine, advised by a doctor, can ease pain for the moment.
- Steer Clear of Hard or Sweet Foods – These can further aggravate the offending tooth.
- Book an Appointment for a Dentist – If the pain continues, go see a dental clinic to diagnose and address the problem accordingly.
What to Do If Your Child’s Tooth Is Knocked Out
A knocked-out tooth can be alarming, but acting quickly can help save the tooth and prevent further damage.
- For a Baby Tooth: Never attempt to put a baby tooth back in. Seek advice from a pediatric dentist instead.
- For a Permanent Tooth:
- Grasp the tooth by the crown (and not the root).
- Wash it lightly with fresh water, but don’t scrub.
- Attempt to insert it back into the socket if at all possible. Otherwise, store it in milk or saliva.
- Seek urgent dental attention at once.
Trusted Pediatric Dental Care at Dental Elements
If you’re looking for expert dental care, Dental Elements is a trusted dentist in Millwoods who is also specialized in pediatric dentistry. Their experienced team is dedicated to providing gentle and effective care for children in dental emergencies. Don’t wait—contact them today to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright!