3 Dental Emergencies Every Parent Should Know about

When you have children, accidents are likely. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Kids are just more active than adults, and that always involves some risk. The trick is to minimize risk and learn what to do when something does happen. In this article, you’ll learn about 3 common dental emergencies in children and how to handle them.

Cracked Tooth

If your child has a cracked tooth, don’t panic. While this can hurt a lot, depending on the severity of the crack, you must keep calm. You should rinse out your child’s mouth with warm water. Then, it’s a good idea to use a cold compress to prevent swelling. The next step is to take them to the dentist. If possible, this should be done on the same day. If the crack is small, the dentist might be able to mend it without the need for a root canal.

Knocked Out Tooth

Getting a tooth knocked out is common, especially if your child is playing contact sports. If that happens, you can try placing the tooth back into the socket after rinsing it gently in water. Be careful not to touch the roots of the tooth but only the crown (the part that’s visible when you smile). If the tooth can’t be reinserted, you should keep it moist in milk. In either case, you must take child and tooth to the dentist right away. A knocked-out tooth is serious, especially if it affects the front teeth.

Toothache

Children can get toothaches just like adults. In some cases, your child may be hurting, because they’re getting new permanent teeth. During that time, it’s normal to feel pressure in the mouth that closely resembles a toothache. It’s also possible that food has become lodged between two teeth, which can be resolved with floss. If that doesn’t help, then you should seek emergency dental care in Sharpsburg, GA.

Some dental emergencies can be prevented. For example, before you allow your child to participate in vigorous sports, you should get them fitted for a mouth guard to protect their teeth. To prevent toothaches as a result of cavities, you must instill good oral hygiene habits from a young age. This includes brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. You may need to help them with both until they have the dexterity to do this well. That usually happens around the time they’re able to tie their shoes.

Finally, if necessary, don’t hesitate to take our child to the emergency room for a dental emergency, especially if there are additional concerns, such as loss of consciousness or excessive bleeding.