Child Dental Emergencies Every Parent Should Be Prepared For

As a parent, being ready for emergencies is crucial, especially when it comes to your child’s dental health. Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and knowing how to deal with them can make all the difference in your child’s recovery. This article will discuss eight common dental emergencies for children and what you need to know to handle them.

Knocked-Out Tooth

One of the most serious dental emergencies is a knocked-out tooth. This event can be very scary for both you and your child, but it’s essential to act quickly. If your child loses a baby tooth, do not try to reinsert it. However, if it’s a permanent tooth, gently rinse it with water and try to reinsert it into the socket. If you can’t do this, out the tooth in a cup of milk or your child’s saliva and get to the dentist as soon as possible.

Broken Tooth

Another dental emergency that can occur is a broken tooth. If your child breaks a tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water, and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Avoid having your child eat or drink anything until the tooth is restored. Call your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment.

Toothache

Toothaches are a common dental emergency that can be caused by a variety of factors, including cavities, infections, and gum disease. If your child complains of a toothache, simply rinse their mouth with warm water and floss gently to remove any trapped food particles. If the pain persists, call your dentist to schedule an appointment.

Lost Filling or Crown

If your child loses a filling or crown, it’s crucial to see the dentist as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you can use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of clove oil to the affected area for pain relief.

Object Stuck in Teeth

If your child has an object stuck between their teeth, do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed object. Instead, use dental floss to gently remove it. If the object cannot be removed with floss, call your dentist for an emergency appointment.

Broken Jaw

Another serious dental emergency is a broken jaw, which requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect your child has a broken jaw, keep their head immobilized and call 911 or take them to the emergency room immediately.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. If your child’s gums are bleeding, rinse their mouth with warm salt water and schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Mouth Ulcers

Finally, mouth ulcers are a typical dental emergency in children and can be caused by a wide range of factors, including injury, stress, and some medical conditions. Most ulcers will heal on their own within a week or two, but if your child’s ulcers are painful or persist for more than two weeks, call your dentist to schedule an appointment.

Dental Emergencies an Overview

In conclusion, dental emergencies can be daunting, but being prepared and knowing what to do can make all the difference. If your child experiences any of these dental emergencies, take immediate action and call your dentist for an appointment. 

Remember that prevention is the best medicine, so make sure your child practices good oral hygiene habits and attends regular dental checkups to prevent these dental emergencies from happening in the first place.

Do you need a Bend pediatric dentist? Turn to Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry, the top-rated pediatric dentists since 2005. We also provide Pediatric Dentistry in Redmond, Oregon as well as our new East side Bend office.  Make an appointment.