Understanding Child Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies are anything but child’s play and a sudden toothache, a chipped tooth from a fall or even a tooth getting unexpectedly knocked out or loose while playing could elevate a normal day into a state of panic for any parent. These situations are unfortunately somewhat common, happening more often than we’d like. They can be scary not only for the little ones but also for parents who may not know what immediate steps to take.
Knowledge is power, and being prepared can make these dental mishaps a lot less frightening as well as help create a better outcome. It’s essential to remember that during these times, speed and immediate response can make a world of difference in the end result. Whether it’s a minor crack or a complete loss of a tooth, familiarizing yourself with the necessary steps to take during dental emergencies could go a long way! Here at Where Smiles Grow, we’re committed to empowering parents with the right tools to handle these situations, while ensuring your child’s smile continues to bloom.
Children and Tooth Trauma: What to Do
When your little ones experience a dental accident, it can turn a fun day of play into a stressful ordeal. The first moments after these incidents are often filled with panic, but most importantly staying cool and calm can make all the difference. Tooth trauma can range from a minor chip or crack to a completely knocked-out tooth. Recognizing the type of dental injury is the first step toward handling the situation effectively.
Dealing with a Cracked or Fractured Tooth in Kids
If your child chips or breaks a piece of a tooth then first thing to do is check your child to see if they are okay. Once you see they are okay try to find the piece(s) of tooth that was lost. It is not always possible to find them, but if you do, place it in solution such as milk as soon as possible. Then rinse out your child’s mouth with warm water and call your dentist to receive instructions on what to do next. Placing the tooth fragment in rehydrating fluid is important because for adult teeth we can sometimes re-attach the fragment. By placing it in solution can help make reattaching the chipped piece not only have a higher success rate but also have a better aesthetic outcome as the tooth will be rehydrated and more likely match the color of the rest of the tooth.
Dealing with a Knocked out tooth
If a tooth gets knocked out, again check that your child is okay first. Once they are okay try to find the tooth that was lost, try to remove any superficial debris from along the root but do not scrub the root and do not rinse it under water as it can damage the cells that can help it reattach. Place the tooth in milk, Tooth Saver Solution or even saliva to keep the tooth damp but again do not put in Water. Then call your dentist as soon as possible to get instructions.
For a Baby Tooth – We often will evaluate the patient but not reimplant the tooth and instead let the tooth fairy know that she may need to make a visit slightly earlier than planned. Reimplanting a baby tooth is not performed as it can cause problems for the adult tooth that is still developing under the gums.
For an Adult tooth – We can provide instructions on how to reimplant the tooth immediately but as that sometimes is not possible with a child that is a. In that case make sure the tooth is fully submerged in fluid (milk, tooth saving solution, saline solution, or saliva (BUT IDEALLY NOT WATER!!!!). Even if you must use spit as the solution until you can get to a store and get milk that would be better than putting the tooth in water. We will want to bring you into the office ASAP to have us reimplant the tooth. Whether you do or do not reimplant the tooth we likely will want to see you in the office on an emergent basis to evaluate and place a splint to stabilize the tooth in hopes that the root will reattach to the jaw.
Dealing with a Tooth that is Knocked Loose
If your child bumps into something and a tooth becomes loose. First thing is always to check if the child is okay. Once you know they are okay look at the teeth and gently feel if anything is loose and look for any signs of soft tissue injuries. If you have any concern reach out to your dentist to get follow-up instructions. Depending on several factors, we will provide additional suggestions and determine when we need to see them for exam. Some of the things we will consider are how loose the tooth is, whether it’s a baby or an adult tooth, if the child is able to bite their teeth together the way they did before the injury and a host of other things that pediatric dentists undergo advanced training to manage.
What to Do When Your Child has a Toothache
If your little one is clutching their face/mouth, a toothache could be the culprit behind their pain, and you are on the front line to manage it. There are several steps you can take at home while making an appointment with our Where Smiles Grow team.
Start by gently rinsing their mouth with warm salt water, which can alleviate some discomfort and keep the area clean. Encourage them to use dental floss to remove any potential food particles trapped between teeth as this could be the cause of their discomfort. If the pain persists or comes back as soon as they start eating then it would be best for you to give us a call to be evaluated as these could be signs of a more pressing dental issue.
Preventing Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Keeping your children’s teeth strong and healthy is not just about regular brushing and flossing though, don’t get us wrong, they’re super important. Beyond that, routine dental checkups play a key role in ensuring your children’s teeth are healthy and on the right development track. At Where Smiles Grow, we recommend scheduling these at least twice a year so we can spot potential issues before they turn into emergencies.
In addition to practicing good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental check-ups, investing in a boil & bite mouth guard or a custom-fitted mouthguard is essential for protecting your child’s teeth during physical activities that could result in contact. Whether they’re playing sports or participating in recreational activities, mouthguards act as a barrier against impact and minimize the risk of dental injuries, soft tissue injuries, even jaw fractures and concussions. By wearing a properly fitted mouthguard, your child can enjoy their favorite activities with confidence, knowing that their smile is protected.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Where Smiles Grow Team
Understanding dental emergencies empowers parents to take prompt and appropriate action in times of dental distress, ensuring their child’s oral health and well-being are prioritized. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of dental emergencies and knowing how to respond effectively, parents can minimize pain, prevent further damage and expedite the recovery process. Additionally, investing in preventive measures like custom-fitted mouthguards can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries, allowing children to enjoy their favorite activities with confidence and without compromising their smiles. With proactive dental care and timely intervention, families can navigate dental emergencies with ease and maintain healthy, happy smiles for years to come.