Kids are active! So dental emergencies will happen. Roughhousing, bike or scooter riding, trampolines, etc. are all ways that kids have fun and they’re also ways that kids can get hurt. Facial trauma and damage to the teeth are often included in these dental emergency for kids.
What To Do In Kids' Dental Emergencies?
We understand how important it is that your child receives emergency care, but until we can get him or her into the office, you may need some tips on how to best care for the injury. We’ve provided a list of common injuries as well as some tips on how to care for them below:
Knocked Out Tooth
If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not attempt placement of the tooth back into the socket as this may damage the underlying permanent tooth.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, hold the tooth by the crown portion (the whiter part of the tooth) and rinse it gently in cool water. Do not scrub the tooth clean or use soap – use only water! If possible, place the tooth back in its socket and hold it with a clean gauze or washcloth. In case you cannot place it back, put the tooth in a clean container with cold milk or patient’s saliva or water and get to the dental office immediately. Call the emergency number, if after hours. Faster action helps increase the chances of saving the tooth.
Chipped/Fractured Tooth
If a tooth is chipped or fractured, rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compress if there is a soft tissue swelling. Find the broken fragment and place it in cold milk or water and see us immediately.
Cut or Bitten Tongue/Lip/Cheek
Apply cold compress to the area of the swelling and apply firm, gentle pressure to the area of bleeding if any. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes or cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take your child to the nearest hospital.
Toothache
If your child has a toothache, call our office immediately. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water and give over the counter pain medication appropriate for the child’s age and weight. You can apply cold compress to the area of the pain, but do not apply heat or give aspirin.
Prevention of dental injuries can be accomplished
by using age appropriate car seats/ seat belts,
by child proofing your house to prevent falls and electrical injuries
by wearing protective gear including mouth guards for all contact sports. Additional age appropriate preventive strategies will be discussed during your child’s routine visits.