When it comes to dental health, children may face several common emergencies. Knowing about these emergencies and how to handle them can help protect your child’s teeth. Here, we’ll talk about some common types of pediatric dental emergencies children may face and what to do if they happen.
If you encounter any of the above-mentioned issues, it’s crucial to contact a pediatric dentistry near you promptly for professional assistance.
Infected Baby Tooth
An infected baby tooth is a common problem in children. This can happen when bacteria enter the tooth due to cavities or decay. An infected tooth can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes fever.
If a baby tooth gets infected, it’s important to see a dentist quickly. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection and might also clean and treat the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may need to be removed to prevent the infection from spreading.
Tooth Fracture
A tooth fracture happens when a child breaks or cracks a tooth. This can occur from falling, playing sports, or biting something hard. A fractured tooth can cause pain, especially if the crack is deep.
If your child fractures a tooth, it’s important to rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling, and the child should see a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will decide the best treatment, which may include bonding, crowns, or, in severe cases, root canal therapy.
Dental Avulsion
Dental avulsion is a specific type of injury where a tooth is completely knocked out of its socket. This is a severe dental emergency that requires immediate attention. The steps to take are similar to those for injured or lost permanent teeth. Find the tooth, handle it by the crown, rinse it gently, and try to reinsert it into the socket.
If reinserting is not possible, store it in milk or saliva and get to the dentist right away. Quick action can often save the tooth, but the dentist needs to see the child within 30 minutes to an hour for the best chances of success.
Injured Or Lost Permanent Teeth
When a permanent tooth is injured, including cracked, chipped, or loosened from a fall or accident, it’s crucial to seek dental help promptly. If a tooth is completely knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown (the visible part) and rinse it gently with water if dirty, avoiding scrubbing or touching the root.
Try to place the tooth back into its socket and hold it there, or store it in milk or saline solution until you reach a dentist. Immediate action improves the chances of saving the tooth and preventing further complications.
Tooth Abscesses
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, and it can occur in primary and permanent teeth. An abscess can cause severe pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth.
If you suspect a tooth abscess, it’s important to see a dentist near you right away. The dentist will likely drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. In some cases of tooth abscesses, a root canal or tooth extraction may be necessary.
Reach Out To Us Today For Emergency!
At Axion Dental, we’re dedicated to providing expert care during pediatric dental emergencies. Our team of dentists in Mokena is ready to handle any dental crisis your child may face. Whether there is any kind of dental emergency, trust us to be your partner in ensuring your child’s dental health. Schedule an appointment today to experience our commitment to excellence in pediatric dentistry.
Dental emergencies can be scary, but knowing what to do can make a big difference. By taking quick action and following the dentist’s advice, you can help keep your child’s smile healthy and bright.
