Parents need to be prepared for everything, including dental emergencies. Just like you have a medical kit for fever, colds, bumps, and scratches, you should know what to do if your child breaks or cracks a tooth.
The team at Tiny Tooth Pediatric Dentistry put together an article about the most common dental emergencies in kids.
3 Dental Emergencies in Kids and What to Do When They Occur
When your child is facing a dental emergency, the first thing you should always do is call their pediatric dentist and explain what happened. They will provide some quick tips and schedule you for an immediate appointment.
That said, it's also important to know what to do to help your child get better faster.
- Knocked-out Teeth
Knocked-out teeth are one of the most common dental emergencies in kids, but the good news is that you can save your little one's tooth if you know how to react.
If your child knocked out a baby tooth, don't try to save it as the dentist won't be able to reinsert it. Instead, focus on calming your child and stopping the bleeding if there's any.
If your child lost a primary tooth, then it's important to locate it and bring it to your dentist. Rinse it carefully if it's dirty then try to put it back into the socket or place it in a cup with clean water. Head to the dentist immediately as you only have a couple of hours to save the tooth.
- Chipped or Cracked Tooth
If your child chipped or cracked a tooth, attend to their needs first. Help them calm down, rinse their mouth with clear water, and use an ice pack if you notice some swelling. Next, try to locate the tooth pieces, clean them, and bring them to the dentist.
If the edges of the tooth are sharp, you can use some chewing gum to cover them so that your kid doesn't accidentally hurt their cheeks or lip.
- Toothache
Tooth pain is more common in children than most people think. It's usually a sign of tooth decay and while it may not need urgent treatment, it's still important to schedule an appointment with their dentist sooner rather than later.
But, if your child is experiencing tooth pain after falling and hitting their mouth, a nerve may be damaged and they need to get treatment right away.
Dr. Su Kim Can Restore Your Child's Oral Health
Kids are little balls of energy and accidents can happen no matter how many precautions you are taking.
If your little one has chipped, cracked, or knocked out a tooth or if they have severe dental pain, call Dr. Su Kim immediately at (443) 832-6111.
We also offer comprehensive pediatric dental services. You can get in touch online or call us if you want to know how we can help your child achieve great oral health.