Tooth trouble is hard to deal with, and it gets even more troublesome when a child suffers from an emergency. But kids are prone to dental mishaps at home, at school, and on the playground.
Girl with her mother on the first dental visit. Senior male dentist doing dental procedures of patient at the dental office. Dentistry, medicine, stomatology and health care concept. Dental equipment
A preventive approach can minimize the chances of injuries, but your child may still encounter them. Parents need to be aware of such situations and know how to handle them effectively. Timely action can save your kid from pain and trouble and prevent the massive expense of complicated treatment. Here are some facts parents should know about pediatric dental emergencies.
A broken tooth
It is easy to panic if your child knocks out a tooth, even more, if there is pain and bleeding. You must call an emergency in case of heavy bleeding. But the injury may not be as severe as you imagine. Preserve the tooth by soaking it in milk inside a container. Rush to a dentist to get the tooth replaced sooner than later. But you can forgo the step if the tooth is temporary because it will grow back. However, you must still take the little one for a dental checkup.
A cracked tooth
A cracked tooth is not as serious an emergency as a broken one, but the kid still needs help. Rinsing the mouth with warm water is the best first aid advice as it cleans the affected area and soothes the pain. You can also keep the swelling down by using a cold compress on the face. Once you give primary care to the kid, visit a nearby dentist immediately to address the injury.
Severe toothache
Kids are as prone to toothaches as adults, but you cannot give them a painkiller without seeing a specialist. Knowing an emergency dentist in your area puts you in a good place to deal with the concern because you may encounter it unexpectedly. Try rinsing the child’s mouth with warm water as a home remedy. Brush the teeth gently and remove food caught between them. See a dentist if the pain persists. It is better to get a checkup to rule out cavities and gum infections.
Broken jaw
A broken jaw is one of the gravest forms of dental emergencies for kids. Your child may sustain a severe injury in a mishap, which leads to a broken jaw. You may notice heavy swelling in the child’s face, while severe pain confirms the suspicion. Apply a cold compress over the affected area and take your child to a dentist or emergency room right away.
A bite on the tongue or lip
Toddlers may bite their tongue or lip unintentionally as a reflex action. The situation may get daunting if the bite is deep and bleeds profusely. First aid steps include cleaning the area gently with water and applying a cold compress to stop the bleeding. You should not overlook the situation even if the bleeding is not heavy. Visiting a dentist for a checkup is a good idea.
Besides emergency visits to a dental clinic, you must be regular with routine appointments. Also, take adequate preventive steps to limit the risk of injuries in the first place.
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