Seeing your child in pain due to a dental emergency can be overwhelming. Children are more prone to dental emergencies due to their lifestyle and curiosity, which may lead to sudden mishaps. Knowing how to tackle these situations can make a huge difference in reducing discomfort and preventing long-term damage.
In this article, we will discuss common pediatric dental emergencies in children, pediatric dental care, and when to seek help from a pediatric dentist.
Table of Contents
What are Pediatric Dental Emergencies?
Before discussing the specifics of handling a dental emergency, let’s first understand how to identify one. Dental emergencies in kids can range from a crack or chip in the tooth to a knocked-out tooth or injuries in the mouth. Knowing and understanding such situations is vital to ensure your child’s well-being.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Here are the common dental emergencies in children that you should look out for:
Broken Tooth
Children can break teeth due to falls, accidents, or biting on hard objects. When a tooth breaks, it exposes the inner layer and leads to extreme pain and sensitivity.
Dental Intrusion
Dental intrusion occurs when a tooth is forcefully push into the socket, leading to a shorter appearance than other teeth. It may also occur due to falls, trauma, or sports injuries. Timely intervention can help restore normal tooth functioning and prevent potential complications.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common pediatric dental emergencies that may occur due to gum disease, cracked teeth, or cavities. Sensitivity results in severe pain upon consuming hot or cold beverages. If your child complains of sudden pain while consuming food, make sure to take a quick look and visit a dentist immediately.
Persistent Toothache
A constant toothache indicates a debilitating and emergency pediatric dental condition. It may be caused by various factors, including injection, injury, or decay.
Left untreated, the ache can also affect the child’s regular eating and sleeping patterns. Hence, if you notice your child having pain in the mouth or tooth, seek help from a pediatric dentist.
Dental Avulsion
Dental avulsion occurs when a tooth is knocked out of its socket and requires urgent medical attention. It may happen due to an accident, trauma, or sports.
Usually, a knocked-out tooth can only be re-implanted within 30 minutes. Hence, it is vital to take quick action and seek a professional in such a condition.
Foreign Object Stuck Between Teeth
Children may also experience an emergency when a foreign object gets stuck between their teeth. This may also lead to pain, discomfort, and damage to the gums and teeth. Immediate action is required to remove the object effectively and prevent further damage.
How to Handle Pediatric Dental Emergencies?
Here are some quick steps that you can take to handle these situations until you visit a dentist:
1. Knocked-Out Tooth (Dental Avulsion)
- Find the tooth and hold it by the crown (not the root).
- Rinse it gently with milk or saline solution—avoid using water.
- Try placing it back into the socket if it’s a permanent tooth.
- Store the tooth in milk or saline and see a dentist immediately.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth
- Rinse the mouth with warm salt water.
- Apply a cold compress to the area to lessen swelling.
- Save any broken tooth fragments and visit your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
3. Severe Toothache
- Rinse with warm salt water to clean the area.
- Floss gently to check if food is stuck between teeth.
- Refrain from placing aspirin on the gums, which can irritate.
- If pain persists, seek emergency pediatric dental care.
4. Tooth Pushed into the Gums (Dental Intrusion)
- Do not try to reposition the tooth yourself.
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
- Seek an immediate evaluation from a pediatric dentist.
5. Object Stuck Between Teeth
- Use dental floss to remove the object gently.
- Avoid using sharp tools or pointed objects.
If the object does not come out, visit a pediatric dentist immediately.
When To Seek Professional Help?
Pediatric dental emergencies require prompt attention and action. There are situations when emergency pediatric dental care is necessary. Call a pediatric dentist if:
- Bleeding does not stop after applying pressure.
- Your child is in severe pain that does not improve.
- A knocked-out tooth cannot be reinsert.
- There is swelling, fever, or signs of infection.
- The tooth is discolor, indicating potential nerve damage.
Takeaway
Handling pediatric dental emergencies confidently and cautiously ensures your child’s well-being. Quick intervention can prevent long-term complications, whether a knocked-out tooth, persistent toothache, or a dental injury.
Consult a reliable pediatric dentist if you are worry about your kid’s oral health.
Visit Our Experienced Team of Pediatric Dentists!
At Brooklyn Blvd Dental, we provide expert emergency pediatric dental care to help your child feel safe and comfortable during unexpected situations.
Our experienced pediatric dentist in Brooklyn Center, MN, offers prompt treatment and long-term care to ensure your child’s oral health remains in top condition.
Schedule an appointment with us today or call (763) 533-8669.You can also visit us at 5831 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
