Common Dental Emergencies & How To Treat Them
Oftentimes, when emergencies happen– they tend to happen after hours. Whether your child fell and knocked out a tooth or they got hurt in a sporting accident, it’s important to know that when accidents happen– your child’s pediatric dentist is available to treat and offer relief as quickly as possible.
Common Dental Emergencies Include:
-Cracked or chipped tooth
-Severe mouth pain
-Facial swelling
-Partially dislodged tooth
-Abscess
-Sports injuries and vehicle accidents
-Bleeding and trauma
-Serious injury to tongue, cheeks, jaw or lips
Knowing a few tips in advance on what to do if a dental emergency happens can help you act fast & be prepared for what you need to do. Here’s what to do in the meantime if your child:
Falls and knocks out a permanent tooth. It’s up to you to remain calm and keep the situation under control. Offer comfort to your child and do what you can to take their mind off the accident. Once you can locate the tooth, pick it up by the chewing surface (take care not to touch the root) and if the tooth is clean, try to reinsert it into the empty socket in your child’s mouth. Have your child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean cloth or gauze. If the tooth is dirty, broken or cannot be reinserted– put the tooth in a glass of milk or saltwater. It’s important to note that getting dental attention within an hour of the incident is your best bet in saving the tooth!
Chips or breaks a tooth. If you are able to find the broken tooth, place it in a glass of milk or saltwater. Do not scrape or scrub it! Get in touch with your pediatric dentist and in many cases, the broken piece of tooth can be reattached in the dentist’s office.
Cuts or bites lip, cheek or tongue. A cut or bitten lip, cheek, or tongue can lead to bleeding and swelling. To help relieve these symptoms, apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. If there is swelling, apply a cold compress (a popsicle works well if it’s inside the mouth)! You can also give your child a kid-appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with any discomfort.
Has a toothache. Soothe the ache with a warm salt water rinse. Next, apply a cold compress directly to the affected area. Visit your child’s pediatric dentist as soon as you can make an appointment to find out what is causing the discomfort.
Looking for an Emergency Dentist in Logan, UT?
At Wasatch Pediatric Dentistry, our top priority is providing quality dental care for your kids. Whether you are looking for a pediatric dentist to help out with an emergency or you are looking to find a pediatric dentist ahead of time, we are here to help!