When it comes to any type of medical emergency, including dental ones, time is of the essence. Knowing what to do and how to react when your little one's oral health is affected can make the difference between saving a tooth and losing it.
We think it's our job to educate parents and give them the resources they need to offer their kids the best oral care.
With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the most common dental emergencies in kids and what to do when they happen.
With all the running, jumping, and exploring they do, it's normal for kids to fall quite often. Sometimes they only scratch their knees, other times they get a more serious injury, like a knocked-out tooth.
If your child knocked out a permanent tooth, then it's important to find the tooth, rinse it gently with water, and reinsert it into its socket. If that's not possible, place it in a container of milk or your child's saliva. Always hold the tooth by the crown and don't try to scrub or clean it.
If your child knocked out a baby tooth, don't try to reinsert it in the socket as that can damage the developing permanent tooth. Simply call The Little Royals: Dentistry for Kids and schedule an emergency appointment.
If your child is complaining of persistent tooth pain, it may indicate an infection. You can try to alleviate some of their discomfort with OTC pain medication, but it's vital to seek urgent dental care. Left untreated, a tooth infection can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
If your child breaks a tooth, collect any pieces you can find. Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you notice any sharp edges, you can use a bit of dental wax to avoid any injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. Then, call one of our dentists for a same-day appointment.
Swelling could indicate an infection. If you notice that your child's face is swollen around one of their teeth and they are also complaining of a toothache then you should see a dentist immediately. In the meantime, you can manage the swelling by applying a cold compress on their face.
If your child accidentally bites their lip or tongue and is experiencing profuse bleeding, clean the area gently with a cloth and apply a cold compress. If the bleeding doesn't stop or the bite is deep, visit The Little Royals: Dentistry for Kids for urgent care.
Whether we're talking about a toothache, loose tooth, knocked-out tooth, or a dental problem that you don't know how to manage, get in touch with the team at The Little Royals: Dentistry for Kids. We can determine if you need urgent dental care and schedule you for a same-day appointment.
Call us at (561) 510-1450 and tell us about your problem.
For regular appointments, you can get in touch with us online too.