Children's Dental Emergencies

No parent wants their child to suffer or be in pain. When it comes to health issues, the mouth is one of the most sensitive, and therefore, most painful places to have a problem - especially for precious little ones. Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can not only protect your child's beautiful smile, but it can also save them much misery and tears. Whether it is a toothache, chipped tooth, or cut tongue, our professionals at Bennett Family and Children's Dentistry have the solution to keep your child healthy and smiling. Here are some common children's dental emergencies and quick solutions:

• Toothache: You must clean the affected area thoroughly with warm water, making sure that you get rid of food remnants and anything else that might be stuck in the tooth or gum causing irritation. If the cheek or affected area is swollen, you should apply ice or a cold compress. If your child continues to experience pain, contact your child's dentist.
• Cut/Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek: Apply a cold compress to the affected area. Use gauze and apply moderate pressure if bleeding occurs. Call your dentist or visit the hospital, if bleeding does not cease.
• Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: Time is very crucial in saving a tooth! First, you should contact your dentist immediately. Next, try to find the tooth. Make sure you hold it by the crown - not root. Do NOT clean the tooth with anything but water, and try not to handle it excessively. Have your child reinsert the tooth by biting down on gauze. If this does not work, put the tooth in a cup with your child's saliva, as you transport it to the dentist.
• Knocked Out Baby Tooth: The good news is that most times this is not an emergency and no treatment is necessary. If your child is in pain for an extended amount of time and something appears to unusual, contact your dentist.
• Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth: Contact your dentist immediately. Using only water, rinse your child's mouth out and place a cold compress on the affected area. Attempt to find the tooth and locate any fragments to bring to the dentist. Time is a very important factor in saving the tooth and avoiding infection.
• Chipped or Fractured Baby Tooth: Since baby teeth are meant to fall out, this is usually not something to stress over. Contact your child's dentist.
• Blow to the Head: You should take your child to the closest hospital emergency room ASAP.
• Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw: Take your child to the closest hospital immediately. Make sure your child stays still and keep the jaw from moving.

If an emergency ever occurs and you are not sure what to do, visit the nearest hospital emergency room immediately and contact your child's dentist. At Bennett Family Dentistry, we know that emergencies can be scary and painful. We also know how important your children are, which is why we work hard to provide tips, continuous education, and support to our growing community.