Nothing is more overwhelming than when your child is in pain! You would do anything to help them, and a dental emergency is no exception. Your first instinct might be to panic; however, remaining calm is going to be the best way you can help your little one. The next step is to contact your pediatric dentist to assess your situation and determine if your child needs immediate care. Here are some other helpful tips on handling childhood dental emergencies.
Always Contact Your Dentist First
Dental emergencies can typically be handled most effectively by a dentist, and your pediatric dentist specializes in caring for your child, so always contact your pediatric team first before visiting a hospital emergency room.
Unfortunately, most hospitals are not equipped to handle dental emergencies, so when you contact your dentist first, it will save you time, stress, and money in the long run. Your child will also be able to get the treatment they need much quicker, which could mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth in some situations.
A Broken or Chipped Tooth
If your little one breaks or chips a tooth, gather all the pieces you can and take them to your pediatric dentist. They can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, which may be crown, root canal, or filling.
A Toothache or Dental Pain
If your child is experiencing a constant toothache, contact your dentist right away. This could be indicating an infected tooth that will need to be treated as soon as possible since a dental infection will not go away on its own.
A dental infection can result from poor oral hygiene or a fractured tooth. You can help your child avoid this situation by ensuring that they are brushing at least twice per day and flossing at least once using proper techniques. Routine visits to your pediatric dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups will also ensure that your child avoids painful toothaches.
A Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
When a child’s permanent tooth is knocked out, it’s important to move quickly and get them to your emergency kid’s dentist as soon as possible. Handle the tooth carefully, touching only the crown rather than the root. Place it back into its socket if you can, or use milk to transport it, which will keep the cells moist and alive. Remember, time is of the essence in this situation, as your dentist has the best chance of saving your child’s tooth the faster you can get to their office.
Don’t hesitate to contact your pediatric dentist right away, even if you’re unsure that your child is experiencing a dental emergency.
About Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Lily has a passion for working with children, and as a parent, she understands how important personalized dental care is for kids. Her gentle and friendly approach will put your child at ease, even during an emergency situation.
If you would like to contact Dr. Lily, she can be reached by calling 469-925-0861 or through her website.