What Should You Do If Your Child Has a Dental Emergency?

If your child has a dental emergency, it is common for a parent to feel stressed and unsure of what to do. However, as a parent, it is important that you remain calm and collected in these situations, so you can immediately decide and act on what should be done. Read on to learn what makes a dental emergency, along with a few tips on how to respond in an emergency situation.

The common kinds of dental emergencies for kids include broken or lost adult teeth, swelling of the face, profuse oral bleeding, lost or brown filling or crown, and severe toothache. The first thing you need to do in a dental emergency, or any emergency for that matter, is to stay calm and not panic. Take note of the three As:

Getting to Know the 3 As

Assess the situation. Determine how urgent the problem is. A child who is bleeding from the mouth or has lost a tooth is an example of a serious dental situation. Also, see if the tooth is still on the scene of the accident.
Act accordingly. Before an emergency even occurs, prepare yourself with the necessary knowledge on basic first aid along with the steps to ease the pain and prolong the life of a lost tooth.
Ask if you are not sure what to do. Do not hesitate to consult a professional whether or not your child needs immediate medical attention, and where they should be treated. Dentists can address some emergencies via phone calls, but some are best attended to in clinics or hospitals.

How to Act in Dental Emergencies?

Lost or Broken Adult Tooth

If your child’s permanent tooth breaks and you were able to locate the broken parts, hold on to them because there is a chance that they can be reattached. A child who loses a whole permanent tooth is particularly urgent. If you make it on time, particularly within an hour, the dentist might be able to reattach the tooth. Alternatively, you can do this yourself if you are confident enough. Gently handle the tooth by its crown and rinse off any debris with milk. Use the spaces of the adjacent teeth as a guide and slowly reinsert them. Let your child bite down on a warm washcloth to help set it. if you feel you are not comfortable enough to do this, put the tooth in milk and immediately bring it to the dentist’s office.

Severe Toothache

If the toothache persists even after your child has flossed and rinsed their mouth to dislodge food debris that might be stuck, see the dentist to ensure that there is no untreated oral infection or tooth decay. Manage the pain of your child as needed using over-the-counter pain medication. However, if there is swelling, difficulty breathing, fever, or severe pain, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Lost Crown or Filling

Clean the area to ensure that food will not get stuck in the open area of the tooth. You can apply a temporary dental wax to protect your child from tooth sensitivity until you can go to the dentist.

A dental emergency can be stressful, especially when it affects your child. But with some presence of mind and knowledge, you can properly handle the situation and get your child through it safely. Contact a reputable pediatric dentist in your area now to learn more about dental emergencies and how to handle them.