As a parent, nothing can be quite as alarming as a dental emergency involving your child. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and knowing how to respond can make all the difference. In this blog post, we'll explore common pediatric dental emergencies and provide practical guidance on how to handle them.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Children's teeth can easily get chipped or broken due to falls, sports injuries, or biting on hard objects. The first step is to stay calm and comfort your child. Next, try to find the broken tooth fragment, if possible, and store it in a glass of milk. This can help preserve the tooth for possible reattachment. Meanwhile, apply a cold compress to the affected area to minimize swelling.
It's important to contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. They can assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action. If the break is severe, they may recommend a crown or other restorative treatment.
Toothache
Toothaches in children can be caused by various issues, including cavities, gum disease, or an abscess. Start by cleaning the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Encourage your child to rinse their mouth with warm salt water and use dental floss to dislodge any trapped food particles. If the pain persists, it's time to call your pediatric dentist.
Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth. This could burn gum tissue. Instead, if necessary, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to the package directions.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your child's tooth gets knocked out, it's crucial to act quickly. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the part that's usually exposed in the mouth), not the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk — don't scrub it or remove any attached tissues. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth in its socket. If this isn't possible, place the tooth in a glass of milk.
Get to your pediatric dentist immediately. Knocked-out teeth have the highest chances of being saved if they're returned to their socket within one hour of being knocked out.
Object Caught Between Teeth
If an object gets stuck between your child's teeth, try to gently remove it with dental floss. Don't use a sharp or pointed instrument; this can cause injury to the gums or scratch the tooth surface. If you're unable to dislodge the object with dental floss, contact your pediatric dentist.
It's crucial not to ignore objects stuck between teeth. If left untreated, this can lead to painful infections and other complications.
Lost Filling or Crown
If your child loses a filling or crown, it's important to contact your pediatric dentist right away. In the meantime, dental cement, which can be found in most drugstores, can be used to cover the area. This can help protect the tooth and reduce sensitivity.
Remember, this is only a temporary solution. A lost filling or crown needs professional attention to prevent further damage to the tooth.
Trust Tiny Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Columbia for Your Child's Dental Emergencies
At Tiny Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Columbia, MD, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and scary. That's why Dr. Su Kim and our team are committed to providing prompt, compassionate care when your child needs it most. Don't hesitate to reach out to us at (443) 832-6111 if your child experiences a dental emergency. We're here to help restore your child's smile and peace of mind.