Four Common Children's Dental Emergencies & What You Need To Know

Dental emergencies can strike at any time and can happen to people of all ages. They’re especially common among young children because they’re active and love running around with friends. For parents, it’s easy to panic when their child’s tooth gets knocked off. However, it’s important to know that dental emergencies cover many issues, aside from broken and chipped teeth. Toothaches, bleeding gums, and sensitivity all fall into this category and require prompt attention. Here’s a list of four common children's dental emergencies and what you need to know what to do if your child needs urgent care:

Whether it happened while your toddler tripped or was playing a contact sport, this accident often involves much blood and cries. In such a situation, help keep your child calm. Have them gently rinse their mouth with clean water, and then inspect the damage. Pick up the tooth by the crown and never by the root. If you can put it back into the socket, give your child something soft to bite on to keep the tooth in place while you head off to the nearest emergency clinic. If it can’t be replaced into the socket, put the tooth in a container with milk because tap water is not ideal for a tooth’s roots. To save the tooth, it’s crucial to go to a dentist or hospital within 30 minutes of the injury.

Your child may be crunching a piece of hard candy when you suddenly hear a cracking sound of a tooth getting chipped. Though it’s a common scenario, it is one that needs to be dealt with immediately. Have your child rinse their mouth and quickly take them to the nearest dental clinic. Dentists can better restore the tooth if you can find and save the part that’s been chipped. Otherwise, treatment options include covering it with a dental crown or veneers.

Toddlers who get something stuck in their teeth may experience discomfort and sharp pains. See if you can gently dislodge the item by using dental floss or toothpick. Avoid using any sharp tool such as a knife or blade when trying to remove it as these could seriously injure the gum and even your toddler. If the object is deeply embedded, visit your dentist immediately.

When your child accidentally bites their lip or tongue, this may cause bleeding, depending on the size of the wound. Immediately put a pack of ice or a cold compress over the injury to reduce pain and prevent swelling and keep your child’s head elevated. If the laceration is wide or deep, see your dentist as it may require stitches.

While accidents are unavoidable, you can take specific steps to reduce their impact on your child’s teeth. If your kids engage in contact sports, you can have them wear a mouthguard while playing. Proper oral hygiene is also vital to ensure that their gums and teeth stay strong and healthy. Also, teach them about proper brushing and flossing and limit their intake of sweet snacks and drinks.

If you have any dental emergencies, get in touch with our dentist in Fulham today. We’re happy to help.