Smile is precious even for kids, but with their active lifestyle and teeth development, dental emergencies are a huge concern for parents. Knowing how to respond to these situations calmly and effectively makes a huge difference in reducing your kid’s discomfort and ensuring a positive outcome.
Glow Pediatric Dental is the best kids dentist in British Columbia. The environment in their clinic is warm and even children who fear a dentist visit feel calm. Kids feel comfortable with the dentist during teeth extraction or tooth cleaning. Here are some common dental emergencies to which you can respond and make your child feel less pain.
Knock-out tooth
Knock-out tooth is a concerning scenario that needs a quick response from parents. If it is a permanent tooth, carefully find it and make sure you do not touch the root.
Gently rinse it with milk or filtered water and try to re-insert it inside the socket. If you cannot do it, hold the root by the crown and store it in milk on the way to your dentist. It would help if you were as quick as possible because it increases the chances of a successful tooth re-implant.
Broken, chipped or cracked tooth
The situation’s severity will determine the course of action. Your dentist will smooth out the area during an appointment for minor chips with no discomfort.
Cracks or fractures are painful. The dentist will assess the damage and determine the best treatment, which can involve fillings, crowns, and, in extreme cases, a root canal.
Object lodged between teeth
It causes discomfort in kids. Parents can try to remove the visible object gently using floss. Avoid using sharp-tipped objects because it can increase trauma to the gums. If the object is tightly wedged or inaccessible, seek professional help from a dentist to prevent further damage or infection.
Loose teeth
It is a natural part of baby tooth development. If the permanent tooth is loose, it is a matter of feeling concerned. See a dentist as soon as possible to assess the situation and determine if the loose tooth can be stabilized or if intervention is necessary.
Bleeding in the mouth
Bleeding can be from the gums, tongue or lips, which makes the kid feel frightened. Minor bleeding from gums while brushing or flossing is an early sign of gum inflammation [Gingivitis]. A dental clinic visit is needed to address proper oral hygiene practice. If there is more bleeding, especially after an accident, you need emergency dental care to control and identify the source. Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze pad to the bleeding part until professional help is available.
Toothache
Toothache is a common complaint amongst kids, especially when they wish to skip school. A simple rinse with warm salt water can offer temporary relief if it is for real. If pain persists or is accompanied by swelling or fever, consult a dentist to diagnose the cause. In severe cases, proper treatment options are considered, such as antibiotics, fillings, or extraction.
Damaged braces
Children undergoing orthodontic treatment must sometimes deal with broken wires or loose brackets. It can make them feel uncomfortable and hinder their treatment process. It would help if you visited the orthodontist ASAP.
It is better to be prepared to deal with kids’ dental emergencies, which pop up suddenly. You can stay calm and respond accordingly to minimize your child’s discomfort and pain.
