Are You Prepared for a Dental Emergency?

Are You Prepared for a Dental Emergency?

September 19, 2013 / in childrens emergency dentist / by FWCD-Admin

In the event that your child experiences a serious dental emergency, even if it occurs over night or during the weekend, don’t hesitate to contact a children’s emergency dentist as quickly as possible. A pediatric dentist understands that time is of the essence when an emergency involved your children, and that’s why you can always contact the office if the need arises. Should the incident occur outside of business hours, the office’s answering service will forward you to the dentist who is on call or the nearest emergency facility.

A pediatric dentist understands that time is of the essence when an emergency involved your children, and that’s why you can always contact the office if the need arises. 

Knowing how to respond to the most common children’s dental emergencies will influence how well your family manages during a potentially stressful and frightening time.

Managing a toothache. At home, you may not be able to assess the severity of a toothache visually. Still, your child’s symptoms should be taken seriously, even if the pain is coming from a baby tooth. There may be a serious underlying cause, such as a deep cavity or an abscess, conditions that can prevent your child from eating, speaking, and sleeping properly. Also, an unhealthy baby tooth can eventually damage a permanent tooth even before it has erupted. Until your child can be evaluated by dentist, you may offer a children’s pain reliever but avoid any other home remedies, including aspirin or alcohol.

Managing a tooth that has been knocked out. When a fall or a blow to the mouth results in a knocked out tooth, immediate dental care is imperative. A baby tooth is not typically replaced, but an examination is necessary to assess the potential damage to the underlying permanent teeth. However, a permanent tooth that has been knocked out should be placed back into the socket as quickly as possible, since there is a strong chance that the tooth can be reattached. If reinserting the tooth is not possible, both the tooth and the child should be transported to the dental office or emergency room immediately.

Preventing Sports Injuries. A mouthguard is a necessity during a sports event as well as during practices. Helmets are also effective for protecting the head, face, and mouth. But accidents can still happen, and when they do, remember to remain calm. With a clear mind, you can control any pain or bleeding until you get into contact with an experienced children’s emergency dentist.

For more advice or information, call our children’s dental team for an appointment today.