A pediatric dental emergency can happen at any time and in any place. Children are full of life and energy. Their exuberance sometimes leads them to not be as aware as they should be of their surroundings. This may lead to falls, bumps, and other injuries that can affect their teeth.
If you know how to handle your child’s dental emergencies when they arise, you may take steps that can save your child’s permanent teeth. When dental emergencies arise, call us at Lovett Dental Webster. Our team of experienced oral health professionals stand ready to guide you and your child through their dental emergency situation. To learn more about our services, contact Lovett Dental Webster at 832-932-5584.
What Can Parents Do if a Child Knocks Their Tooth Out?
When your child sustains a hit that is forceful enough to knock out their tooth, they may have sustained other serious injuries. If necessary, dial 911 to get help from emergency services.
If your child seems otherwise okay and they have knocked out an adult tooth, we recommend that you always keep the tooth moistened. Our team prefers you put the tooth in a tooth preservation product that has been approved by the American Dental Association. If you do not have access to a special solution, then place the tooth in a container of milk. Call us and come to our office right away.
If your child knocks out a baby tooth, you need not keep it moist. However, if you can find it, please bring it in with you when your child receives care.
What if Your Child Bites or Cuts Their Lip or Tongue?
It’s possible that your child may bite their lip or tongue when they eat or when they fall. It’s good to remember that injuries to the gums, lip, or tongue produce a lot of blood. This can make the injury look more serious than it really is.
If you have medical gloves, put them on. Have your child rinse out their mouth with water so that you can clearly identify where the injury is. Use a piece of cloth or gauze to control the bleeding. You can apply a cold pack to the lip to control swelling. Depending on the size and location of the cut, your child may require stitches or additional medical care.
What Should You Do if Your Child Has a Toothache?
The first step is to rinse out your child’s mouth with warm water to clean out and remove any debris. Gently use dental floss to get any food that is caught between the teeth. Refrain from putting aspirin on your child’s tooth or gums as this can damage the surrounding tissue. If the toothache continues, bring your child in to visit our Lovett Dental pediatric oral healthcare professionals. Some oral health care services we offer for children include:
- Thorough teeth cleaning
- Fluoride treatments
- Fillings and sealants
- Emergency dental services
What if Your Child Has Broken Their Jaw?
If you think that your child has broken their jaw, immediately use a cold compress to minimize swelling. Contact your emergency dental services or take your child to the hospital emergency room right away.
Steps You Can Take to Avoid a Pediatric Dental Emergency
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. One step your child can take to avoid dental emergencies is wearing the appropriate safety gear when playing sports. This includes using a helmet if it’s appropriate or a mouthguard.
Your teeth are the hardest material in your body. The tendency can be for children to use their teeth to cut or open things. This practice should be avoided at all costs. Children should use scissors with proper adult supervision.
Children should be taught to never run around with objects in their mouths. This might include things like pencils, toothbrushes, candy, etc.
Visit the dentist regularly to make sure that your child’s teeth are healthy and strong. Stronger teeth are less inclined to suffer injury or damage. At Lovett Dental Webster, we love your child’s smile and want them to love it as well. Contact us today at 832-932-5584 to learn more about our pediatric dental services and what to do in a pediatric dental emergency.
