A pediatric dental emergency can arise unexpectedly as a result of a fall or other sudden injury. Other situations might be caused by tooth decay or infection. These emergencies can be frightening for both children and parents, especially if a tooth is broken or knocked out entirely. Knowing how to react in the wake of this type of crisis and when to seek treatment can lower the risk of permanent tooth loss or damage.
Improper or sporadic cleaning of your children’s baby teeth can cause one or more of them to become infected or abscessed. When this occurs, pockets of pus form around the tooth and can make it difficult for your child to chew or speak. Since the infection can spread throughout the body, it is vital to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Children with infected baby teeth may experience swelling in the cheek or jaw, depending on the affected tooth’s location. They might also run a low-grade fever. Ice packs can be applied to the area for brief intervals to reduce pain. Visible abscesses will likely be painful to the touch. Handling them may only introduce further bacteria. Encourage children to keep their fingers out of their mouths and away from the infected tooth.
Kids often experience tooth fractures during play, such as falling off their bikes onto the pavement or from trees and jungle gyms. A fractured tooth may bleed, and in some cases, the break may not be easily seen. Because this type of pediatric dental emergency may result in infection, it is wise to seek treatment right away.
A fractured tooth may break into one or more pieces before treatment. If this occurs, preserving the broken sections as whole as possible can improve the chances of saving the tooth. If a piece breaks off and cannot be recovered, this is not a cause for panic. It can be a common occurrence during a fracture. To lower this risk, place a damp piece of gauze over the affected tooth and have the child keep gentle pressure on the tooth to hold it together.
Older children who have some of their adult teeth might have them fractured or knocked loose. This type of problem can be serious, as it will likely require tooth replacement. If an adult tooth is knocked out, there are several ways it can be preserved.
On your way to the dentist, be sure to:
Acting quickly can make the difference between saving a broken adult tooth and requiring an implant or artificial crown.
A pediatric dental emergency can happen at any time, and being prepared to act may help keep children calm when such an injury occurs. Keep our information on hand so that you can call when disaster strikes. The faster you respond to an emergency, the more likely a dentist can save your child’s tooth.
Request an appointment here: https://pediatric-dental-arts.com or call Pediatric Dental Arts at (617) 924-1911 for an appointment in our Watertown office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Looking for more information on children’s dental care? Good idea. This information is especially beneficial for new parents, as they need to fully understand the dental care requirements recommended by dental professionals. There are dental guidelines in place that listWanting more insight on children’s dental care? When children are sitting in a dental chair, there…
When it comes to your child's dental health, the first visit to a pediatric dentist is a significant milestone. It sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy oral hygiene habits and helps alleviate any anxiety your child may have about visiting the dentist. If you're searching for a "pediatric dentist near me," it's important…
Protecting the surface of teeth is essential in early development, which is why dental sealants are important. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), 80% to 90% of cavities found in adolescents occur on the chewing surface of permanent teeth. Many of these cavities are located on the back teeth, or molars. Commonly…
Does your child need a baby root canal? Read on to learn more about this restoration. Pediatric dentists typically prioritize prevention, mostly to avoid procedures like a baby root canal. However, sometimes, a root canal can be suggested when a primary tooth is severely damaged. For parents, this might be surprising. Since the baby's teeth…
Is children's dental care different from adult dental care? Read this to learn about the…
When it comes to your child's dental health, the first visit to a pediatric dentist…
Find out how dental sealants protect a child’s teeth and learn what teeth should be…
Pediatric dentists typically prioritize prevention, mostly to avoid procedures like a baby root canal.
You can talk to a dentist for kids for advice on how to prevent childhood…
A pediatric dentistry clinic can help parents learn why early visits for infants are so…