Parents always make their children a priority — and that includes their oral health. It doesn’t matter how well they brush their teeth or how good you are about making routine dental appointments, emergencies still happen when you least expect them.
A pediatric dental emergency can be characterized as one that includes bleeding, trauma, severe infection, or significant pain. When your little one is hurting due to an oral health issue, everything can feel like it's urgent. How do you know if it is?
This article explores a few common pediatric dental emergencies.
A Knocked Out Tooth
A permanent tooth that gets knocked out due to a fall, sports injury, or other type of trauma or accident is a dental emergency. Time is of the essence so contact your pediatric dentist immediately.
Next, quickly find the tooth, being careful to pick it up only by its crown. Rinse it off and, if possible, place it back into the socket. If this isn’t an option, place it in a little bit of milk or saliva. Doing this will help save the tooth as long as you can be seen by the dentist right away.
Severe Toothache
Toothaches can be caused by all types of things, such as cavities, infections, or even a piece of food debris stuck between the tooth and the gum. Most toothaches warrant a visit to the dentist but are not necessarily considered an emergency. However, if the pain is severe or if there is swelling, redness, or fever, it is always a good idea to contact your pediatric dentist.
Rinse with warm salt water and then apply a cold compress to the area until your child can be seen by the dentist.
A Chipped, Fractured, or Broken Tooth
Often, a chipped, fractured, or broken tooth will require a dental visit and some restorative dentistry to improve its functionality and appearance. But, when it is a large chip or is fractured or broken down to the gum line, it can become a dental emergency.
Have your child rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress to minimize the risk of swelling. Then, contact your pediatric dentist.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a sign of infection. It is visible on the gum at the base of the tooth, often appearing like a pimple or large bump. An abscess can be extremely painful and lead to swelling of the gums, face, jaw, or surrounding area. Pus may also form in the abscess itself.
Because this infection can spread to other teeth and other areas of the body, a dental abscess is absolutely an emergency that requires prompt attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?
It is not imperative to save a baby tooth as you would a permanent tooth. If your child’s baby tooth is knocked out, make an appointment with the dentist to ensure that the trauma did not cause any additional damage.
How do I know if my child's toothache is an emergency?
Most kids will feel relief from toothaches with a warm saltwater rinse and over-the-counter pain reliever. If you believe food may be trapped between the teeth, using a piece of floss to remove it can give relief. For those toothaches that come with severe pain, swelling, fever, or pus, it is imperative to see the dentist right away.
Do You Have a Dental Emergency?
Pediatric dental emergencies can be stressful for you and your child. Having the Suffolk Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics team on your side can help bring a sense of calm when facing these scary moments.
If you have a dental emergency, contact us right away at 631-928-8585. Of course, if your child has a serious or life-threatening injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
