15 Jul Handling Pediatric Dental Emergencies: A Guide for Parents
Dental emergencies are events that can’t be foreseen but can happen to kids. A pediatric dental emergency might occur as a result of a fall or other unanticipated incident. Additionally, infections or tooth decay might be the cause of such alarming circumstances. When pediatric dental emergencies occur, they require immediate attention.
Dental emergencies can be frightening for both children and parents, especially if a tooth is broken or knocked out entirely. Parents who are familiar with common dental emergencies and know what to do in such situations are better able to get their kids the care and attention they need. Such sensitized parents are at an advantage in providing their children with greater chances of a complete dental recovery.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies
>>Tooth Fracture: During sports and games, children often fall and may get their teeth broken. A broken tooth may bleed and be hard to spot at times. Treating this form of pediatric dental emergency immediately may prevent dental infection. Before treatment, a cracked tooth may split into fragments. If this happens, keeping the fractured pieces together may save the tooth. Do not worry if a piece breaks off and cannot be retrieved. Fractures often cause it. To reduce this danger, put wet gauze over the impacted tooth and have the kid apply mild pressure to hold it together.
>>Knocked Out Tooth: Parents fear their kids stumbling and losing teeth. Knocked-out teeth happen more often than you think. If your child loses a tooth, you must know how to handle it.
• Control the bleeding first.
• Find the tooth and rinse it with water if feasible. Wash without soap.
• Do not attempt to save a lost baby tooth since the dentist cannot implant it. If your child loses a primary tooth, do not touch the tooth root. Place the tooth in a cup of cold milk or, if the kid is old enough, tuck it into the socket it came from to preserve it for the dentist.
• Get your child to a pediatric dentist to handle this emergency.
>>Suspected Broken Jaw: Seek emergency dental attention if you think your kid has cracked their jaw. Broken jaws may cause bruising, swelling, or a misaligned jaw.
Your kid may also have missing or loose teeth, nausea, vomiting, jaw discomfort, or a lump below their ear. They may experience tingling or numbness on the chin or lower lip and have problems breathing, eating, talking, or opening their mouth.
The conventional treatment for a fractured jaw would likely involve a prescription painkiller, antibiotics to avoid infection, a jaw wire to stabilize the jaw, and maybe surgery to reset the jawbone if the fracture is extensive.
>>Injuries to Lips, Cheek, or Tongue: In such a pediatric emergency, apply a clean cloth or bandage with pressure to the wound. Handwash before and after treating the wound.
After the bleeding stops, wash your child’s lips or mouth with soap and water. Avoid cleaning the wound and eliminate dirt. Dirty wounds scar worse, so run cold water over them to remove any contaminants. Apply over-the-counter antibacterial ointment, and clean and dry the wound regularly.
>>Toothache: Although there are several causes of toothaches, trauma may sometimes be the reason. You may assist your kid in rinsing their mouth with warm saltwater if they have blood or other debris in it because of a trauma-related toothache. Additionally, this saltwater solution may help heal damaged gums and make it easier for your child’s pediatric dentist to examine the mouth and choose the best course of action.
If you have any questions about your child’s oral health, please contact Dr. Alina, Pediatric Dentist in Allen, Texas. Our specialists will be happy to help you with any dental related questions.
Further Reading on Pediatric Dental Emergency:
- Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies every parent should know about
- Does a pediatric dentist handle dental emergencies?
- Dealing with kids dental emergencies – Kids Pediatric Dentistry