Can You Handle Your Child’s Dental Emergency?

Can You Handle Your Child’s Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is not something you think about very often. Likely the last time you had such an emergency was when it happened to you or someone close to you. The fact is a dental emergency can happen at any time. It is better to be prepared for it before it happens than struggling afterward. This is especially true when it comes to your children and their teeth.

No matter the situation, it is important to stay calm. Panicking will only frighten the child and make him or her anxious. A calm head allows you to assess the situation and determine the next step.

Here are six common dental emergencies and how you should handle each.

A Toothache

Toothaches can happen for any number of reasons. Sometimes it is a temporary problem that resolves itself. Sometimes, it needs the help of a dentist to make the pain go away. To eliminate potential causes for a toothache, flush the area with water and use floss between the teeth. This can dislodge food debris or other particulates that might be causing the pain. If the pain remains more than a day, it is best to visit the dentist’s office as soon as possible.

Baby Tooth Knocked Out

Baby teeth are not the ones your child will have going into adulthood. If a baby tooth gets knocked out, you should contact your Katy, TX Pediatric Dentist’s office for advice. Most likely, the dentist will not recommend a replacement since the tooth will naturally be replaced in the future by a permanent one.

Permanent Tooth Knocked Out

If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, it is important to try to preserve it. Find the tooth and rinse it with cool water. Don’t use soap or other cleaners on it. Pick it up by the crown, not the root. Place the cleaned tooth in a container filled with milk or your child’s saliva. Call the dentist as soon as possible.

The dentist may be able to reinsert the tooth successfully. However, the longer you wait, the more likely the reinsertion will fail.

Chipped Permanent Tooth

A chipped tooth is treated much like a knocked out tooth. Have your child rinse his or her mouth with water. This helps to reduce the chance of infection. Store the chip in a container filled with milk or your child’s saliva. Make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible to fix the tooth.

Cuts to the Mouth or Lips

Cuts in the mouth or on the lips can happen in many situations. If a cut occurs, rinse it with water first. Use a piece of gauze to apply pressure to the wound if it continues to bleed. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, call your pediatrician or take the child to the emergency room.

Blow to the Head

Any blow to the head is potentially more serious than a dental emergency. Call 911 immediately. It is important to have your child assessed for a head injury by a medical professional.

You can handle anything that comes your way as a parent, especially if you are prepared. One way to get ready for the dental emergencies that might happen in the future is to have a good relationship already established with a dentist. If you are looking for a new Katy Pediatric Dentist, call us today to set an appointment.

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