Dental emergencies are unpleasant situations affecting the oral cavity. These are common among kids since they are always on the go and prone to falls and accidents. As a parent, knowing how to handle such emergencies until you reach the dentist is crucial and decides the fate of their oral health. This also greatly prevents further damage and deterioration. 

The specialists offering dental practice in Powell, TN are well-trained and highly skilled in handling dental emergencies. This article will focus on some common dental emergencies in children. So read on!

Exploring some common dental emergencies in children and their management 

Knocked-Out Tooth or Tooth Avulsion

• Trauma to the face and mouth from falls, accidents, or sports-related injuries can fracture, loosen, or completely knock your toddler’s teeth off.
• The complete tooth displacement from the socket is known as tooth avulsion. 
• Remain calm, find the tooth, and pick it up by the crown (do not touch the root)
• Clean the tooth by rinsing it in running water and placing it back in the socket 
• Apply gentle finger pressure to keep the tooth in place 

Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth

• Your toddler may suffer from a broken, chipped, or fractured tooth while falling during play or after getting hit by any hard object, like a ball.
• Until you reach your dentist, consult them about any painkiller like acetaminophen to manage pain
• For kids older than 2 years, make them rinse their mouths with salt water
• If there is any sharp edge, cover it with a piece of paraffin wax, or chewing gum to avoid injury to the tongue or other soft tissues like cheeks 
• Use a cold compress on the face to manage swelling 
• If you locate the fractured tooth fragment, preserve it and bring it to the emergency department 

Loose Tooth

• Premature tooth mobility in toddlers may be due to a hard blow on the toddler’s face due to falling, or a road accident.
• Avoid giving your toddler anything hard or sticky to chew until you see a dentist 
• Do not try to pull out the tooth or apply pressure on it 
• Give your kid a soft diet 
• Monitor your kid so that they do not swallow the tooth

Toothache 

• Toothache can occur due to several reasons like dental decay, gum disease, or dental trauma. 
• Give your toddler a mild painkiller after consulting the dentist to manage pain and discomfort.
• Examine their mouth and remove any object stuck in the teeth using dental floss 
• Give them a cold compress to manage swelling

Knowing how to handle, and care for your child in times of dental emergencies is important to prevent further complications until you reach the dental clinic. As a parent, it is your responsibility to safeguard the vitality and integrity of your child’s oral health and wellness.