5 Things to in Case of a Dental Emergency Involving Kids

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, including kids, anytime, anywhere. As a parent or caregiver, knowing what to do when your child undergoes a dental emergency is essential. Dental emergencies can range from a knocked-out tooth to a broken jaw, requiring quick action to avoid further complications. In this article, we’ll discuss five things to do in a dental emergency involving kids.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to do in case of a dental emergency involving kids is to stay calm and assess the situation. Panicking will only worsen the situation and may cause your child to panic. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and examine your child’s mouth to determine the extent of the injury.

If your child has a knocked-out tooth, try to find the tooth and handle it by the crown, not the root. If the tooth is filthy, rinse it with milk or water, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a clean container with milk or saliva and immediately take your child to the dentist.

If your child has a broken tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If the injury is severe, take your child to the dentist immediately.

2. Stop Any Bleeding

If your child’s mouth is bleeding, use a clean cloth or gauze to apply pressure to the area for 10-15 minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, immediately take your child to the dentist or emergency room.

3. Use Pain Relief Medication

If your child is experiencing pain, you can use over-the-counter pain relief medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen to ease the pain. However, follow the recommended dosage for your child’s age and weight.

4. Contact Your Dentist

In case of a dental emergency involving kids, it’s essential to contact your dentist immediately. Your dentist can advise you on what to do next and may ask you to come to the clinic for further treatment.

If a dental emergency happens outside your dentist’s working hours, you can call their emergency line or visit an emergency dental clinic. It’s always an excellent idea to have your dentist’s contact information and emergency line readily available in case of a dental emergency.

5. Avoid Dental Emergencies

Avoiding dental emergencies is always better than dealing with them. As a parent or caregiver, you can take steps to prevent dental emergencies by following these tips:

Motivate your child to wear a mouthguard when playing sports or engaging in high-contact activities.
Teach your child to avoid biting hard objects such as ice, candy, or pencils.
Ensure your child brushes and flosses their teeth habitually to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
Schedule regular dental checkups for your child to detect and treat dental problems early.

Conclusion

Dental emergencies can be scary, especially when they involve kids. However, staying calm, assessing the situation, stopping bleeding, using pain relief medication, and contacting your dentist can help you manage the situation.

It’s also essential to prevent dental emergencies by encouraging your child to wear a mouthguard, avoid biting hard objects, practice good oral hygiene, and book regular dental checkups. Dental emergencies can occur anytime, anywhere, and to anyone, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy and avoid complications.

If your child is in need of emergency dental care in North Bethesda, don’t hesitate to contact Pike District Smiles. Our experienced team of dentists is here to provide swift and compassionate care for your child’s dental emergency. Call us now to schedule an appointment or for immediate assistance.