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Kids are like trouble-magnets. No matter how hard you try, they always find a way to lure trouble. Most of the times, these troubles don’t have any serious repercussion but few times they get seriously injured.
You can’t blame them at least not always because sometimes accidents just happen. They fall down or get hurt during playing a sport. Either way, they end up sporting dental injuries. To deal with those dental injuries in the best way, you need to calm down and think it through. But don’t take too long because some of these dental emergencies might need to be treated immediately. And to act quickly, you need to regain your confidence and composure. You need to resist panicking as that will only frighten your kid and make them anxious.
You have to calm your nerves because your kids can sense your unease. You need to put their minds at ease so that you can assess the situation properly. Be calm, think it through, and determine the next step.
We have outlined five common dental emergencies that your child can come across. And, here are a few tips which will help you in handling these dental emergencies.
Toothache
If your kid is suffering from a toothache, first make them clean the painful area by rinsing it with lukewarm water. Inspect the tooth and if there’s any food debris there. Use dental floss to get rid of them.
Do not put any topical pain reliever or aspirin directly on the aching gums as it can lead to severe health issues. Plus, don’t apply heat directly on the affected area. However, you can use a cold compress on their face if it is swollen. Also, contact a pediatric dentist if the pain persists for more than 48 hours.
Bitten or Cut Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Sometimes kids have a habit of chewing the inside of their cheek or their tongue. That leads to bitten cheek or tongue which can cause bleeding.
In that case, clean the bitten area with water and apply firm pressure on that area with a cold, wet washcloth or towel (cold compress) to avoid or reduce swelling. If the bite is serious and the bleeding won’t stop, go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Cracked Tooth
If your child cracks his or her tooth, immediately clean the area. Rinse their mouth with warm water. Don’t use any soap. Then, to keep any swelling down use a cold compress on the face. Try to locate the broken part and save it. Take your child to the dentist immediately after that.
Broken Jaw
If you think your kid has a broken jaw, to control swelling put cold compress on the face. Meanwhile, don’t let them eat anything that involves mastication.
Head over to the emergency room immediately as a broken jaw is often an outcome of a blow to the head and can be very dangerous.
Also, if they suffer from dental or dental anxiety, you can always opt for sedation dentistry. The best option can be a small safe sedate mask as it sees to your kid’s comfort and keeps their dental fear at bay.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Firstly, try to find the tooth if your child has a knocked-out permanent tooth. It’s crucial to keep the tooth moistened. So, place it in a cup of milk or in a tooth preservation media.
If you’re using a tooth preservative, make sure that it has ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance. Also, ensure that you’re touching only the crown of the tooth. Then, right away visit your child’s dentist. If you want to restore the tooth, you need to spring into action immediately.
Better Safe Than Sorry
Sometimes rather than handling these dental emergencies, it’s better to avoid them. It’s the least you can do to keep their smile intact. Start with ensuring that your child steers clear of dental injuries. To avoid falls, child-proof your home. Hide the popcorn kernels, ice, or any hard food from them as they love to chew on it.
For young kids, always use car seats to avoid any accidental bumps. You should make them wear a mouthguard if they play a contact sport. Make sure that they follow a healthy oral routine. Because if neglected, this can be a reason for your kid’s toothache and cavities.
Also, every now and then, kids suffer from canker or cold sores. These are often cured with over the counter medicines. But these medicines often some take time before the sores are completely healed. Most of these remedies take an average of 7 to 10 days for the sores to be cured for good. So, be patient. But if it is not healed even after that, get it checked immediately by a dentist as it is the root of many oral diseases. Always keep your emergency first aid kit stocked. Also, a bag of frozen peas can come handy during these emergencies as you can use them as a cold compress.
Plus, you need to make sure that the pediatric dentist you’re consulting for these kinds of emergencies is friendly. You can look up for hospitals that have specialized doctors and best equipment on site for your child’s treatment. One of the best options can be Columbia Dental School. Keep the dentist number on speed dial.
Follow these tips in case your child comes across any of these emergencies because if you’re prepared you can handle these situations better. Also, try to distract your kids during these emergencies because both you and the doctor can work better if your child is calm and composed.
