With the kind of rambunctious play that children engage in, it’s not uncommon for dental emergencies to occur. A tooth that is knocked out, chipped, or experiences persistent pain are all things that can lead you and your child to panic, but there are several things that you can do to handle these dental emergencies. Below, you’ll discover some first-aid options and learn when it’s time to call your dentist.
Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them
There are all manner of dental problems that can be seen as emergencies. Here’s how to tackle each one immediately after it occurs:
Chipped or Broken Teeth
Dental trauma affects about 25% of all school-age children.[1] Children who play too rough or perhaps bite down too hard can chip or break a tooth, which can be painful as well as frightening.
In response, you’ll want to rinse your child’s mouth with warm (not hot) water and apply gauze over the site of the injury to help stem any blood flow. You can also reduce swelling by applying a cold compress to the part of the face closest to the injury. From there, you’ll want to reach out to your family dentist as soon as possible to get your child an appointment.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your child suffers trauma substantial enough to knock a tooth out, you want to act quickly. Grab the tooth by its crown and rinse the root only if you see debris. Otherwise, leave it as it is. Never scrub it or remove any ligaments.
In some instances, you may be able to place the tooth back in the socket, but never attempt to force it in, as that could damage the root altogether. If placing the tooth back into its socket is impossible, put it in a container with milk or water with a pinch of salt. That will help preserve the tooth until you can get your child emergency dental care.
Lost Crowns or Fillings
Crowns and fillings are restorations that help prevent infection in a tooth that has already suffered damage. Thus, replacing lost crowns and fillings rapidly is essential. As you wait for an appointment for your child, you can try a quick remedy to protect the tooth: place a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity.
If possible, bring the restoration to your dentist in a Ziploc bag. When pieces of the restoration are stuck between teeth, use dental floss to remove them.
Severe Toothache
A severe toothache can point to oral health issues that require immediate attention and care. In most cases, you can give them over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if you notice that they have a lot of swelling, you may want to try a cold compress on the outside of the cheek instead. If you use aspirin and similar medications, it can irritate swollen tissues.
Dental Emergencies: When to Seek Immediate Dental Care
Chipped or lost fillings may be deemed emergencies. But if your child has to wait, for instance, a day to get care, it’s not a huge issue. Other types of emergencies, however, require immediate care.
If you see that your child is in severe pain or that they are running a fever, contact your family dentist immediately. The same applies if you notice swelling in their gums or other oral structures. It could point to an abscess that could put their overall health at risk. If the area around your child’s eyes or neck is swollen, you must take them to the emergency room.
Trust Empire Dental Care With Your Child’s Dental Emergencies
At Empire Dental Care, our team offers help with all dental emergencies. Whether your child has a chipped tooth or is experiencing an ongoing toothache, we’re here to help. We do our best to offer quick appointments so your child can get the relief they need without waiting for days. Contact us today at 585-671-1650 to ensure any member of your family receives the exact treatment they need when they need it.
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