Emergencies can happen abruptly, especially regarding kids’ dental health. Whether your kid gets a sudden toothache, a fractured or broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth during a sports activity, a parent needs to know how to handle these dental emergencies when they occur. In this guide, we’ll discuss the top common kid’s dental emergencies.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Your kid having a knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate attention. If your kid loses a tooth due to an accident or injury, acting quickly is crucial. First, locate the tooth and hold it by the crown, avoiding touching the root. Rinse the kid’s tooth gently with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments.
Try reinserting the tooth into the socket if possible, and have your child bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not feasible, place the tooth in a glass of saline solution or milk and visit an emergency pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Loose Tooth
A loose tooth can cause discomfort and anxiety for your child. It’s important not to force the tooth out or pull it, as this can cause additional damage. Please encourage your child to gently wiggle the tooth with their tongue or clean hands to help it naturally loosen. Provide soft foods and avoid chewing on the affected side. If the tooth becomes significantly loose or painful, contact an emergency dentist in Lincoln for an evaluation.
Chipped, Cracked, or Fractured Tooth
Kids are prone to minor accidents, and fracturing and chipping a tooth is a common dental issue. If your kid experiences any of these dental accidents, try rinsing their mouth with warm water and applying a cold compress on the affected site to reduce swelling. If they are bleeding, try to apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Contact Dr. Rebecca Scott for immediate assistance.
Injuries to Lips, Cheek, or Tongue
Children often injure their lips, cheeks, or tongue during play or fall. If there is bleeding, clean the area gently with water and try to apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Use a piece of gauze or cloth to apply light pressure if bleeding persists. If the injury is severe or doesn’t stop bleeding after a reasonable time, seek immediate dental or medical attention.
Suspected Broken Jaw
A suspected broken jaw requires immediate medical attention. If your kid experiences a blow to their face or head, and you suspect a broken jaw, try immobilizing their jaw by using a towel, necktie, or scarf to provide support. Take your kid to the nearest emergency room or contact emergency services for further assistance.
Toothache
Toothaches can be quite painful and distressing for children. Rinse your kid’s mouth with warm water to clean the area around the affected tooth. Gently floss to eliminate any food particles that may be causing discomfort. If pain persists, avoid applying aspirin or any numbing gel directly to the tooth as it may cause burns. Instead, contact an emergency dentist near you to address the underlying cause of the toothache.
Lincoln Children’s Dentistry Is Here to Help with Common Dental Emergencies
In times of dental emergencies, having a trusted emergency pediatric dentist near you is essential. Lincoln Children’s Dentistry is dedicated to providing quality emergency dental care for children in the Lincoln area. Their experienced team understands the unique needs of children and strives to create a comfortable and reassuring environment.
Remember, prevention is critical when it comes to dental emergencies. Encourage your child to wear mouthguards during sports activities, avoid chewing on complex objects, and maintain good oral hygiene. Regular dental check-ups can also help identify and address potential dental issues before they become emergencies.
In conclusion, being prepared and knowledgeable about common children’s dental emergencies is crucial for parents. By understanding how to handle emergencies such as knocked-out teeth, loose teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, injuries to the lips, cheeks, or tongue, suspected broken jaws, and toothaches, you can ensure prompt and appropriate care for your child.
