Although dental emergencies can be upsetting to both kids and parents, they’re also very common. And, if you know what to do, they can be quite simple to handle. The child dental care experts at Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry in Charlotte are here to discuss some common dental emergencies and the proper ways to treat them so both you and your child feel better sooner.
- A knocked-out tooth: How you handle this extremely common injury will depend on whether the tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent one. If it’s a baby tooth, have your child bite down on some clean gauze and bring him to your pediatric dentist just to make sure everything’s okay. If it’s a permanent tooth, you’ll need to follow the same steps, but it’s also important that you try to find and bring the tooth with you. If you do find it, handle it by the crown, not the root, and wash it off with water only. In this case, the faster you can get to the dentist, the more likely the tooth can be saved and re-implanted.
- Bitten or cut lip, tongue, or cheek: Wrap up some ice in a clean towel and gently apply it to the injured area to reduce swelling. If the cut is bleeding, put some pressure on it with a piece of cloth or gauze, and monitor your child to make sure the bleeding stops (if it doesn’t, you’ll need to make a trip to the hospital). Particularly if the area is just bruised, it can be a good idea to give your child a popsicle; not only will the cold treat help to reduce any inflammation, but he'll be excited about getting a sweet snack.
- Broken tooth: Rinse your child’s mouth out with water, apply a cold compress, and contact your pediatric dentist immediately. If the chipped tooth is permanent, time is of the essence; you want to be sure to get to the dentist as fast as you can to reduce the chances that your child might develop an infection or need serious dental work in the future. If you can find the piece of tooth that broke off, bring it with you.
- Toothache: Toothaches almost always have an underlying cause, and it can range from the simple (impacted food) to the more serious (tooth fracture, decay, trauma, or wisdom teeth eruption). If your child complains of a toothache, have him rinse with warm water and check for any food stuck between his teeth. Food can be dislodged by having him floss carefully and brush (or, depending on his age, you can do this for him). If it continues to hurt or begins to swell, schedule an emergency appointment with your pediatric dentist immediately.
At Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry, the compassionate and friendly staff is committed to providing the best oral health care available to infants, children, adolescents, and special-needs patients. Whether your child experiences a dental emergency or just needs a regular checkup, the team is ready to provide superior quality treatment and support in an environment that’s welcoming and completely child friendly. To learn more or schedule your appointment at any one of their three locations, call (704) 377-3687 today.
