Nothing is worse than an unexpected dental emergency! One moment your child is taking part in a fun activity and the next, something goes wrong. It can happen anywhere, anytime, and without warning, and if you wait and do not seek immediate medical attention, further injury may result. As a parent, we want you to have the knowledge and tools you need to deal with dental emergencies when they occur so that you can care for your child until further attention is available. In case your child is experiencing a dental emergency in the Trussville, AL region, please call our office right away to schedule an appointment!
Toothache
Clean the around the sore tooth carefully. Instruct your child to rinse their mouth with warm saltwater. In addition to eliminating debris between teeth, saltwater also works as a disinfectant and reduces inflammation. You can apply a cold compress for up to 20 minutes if your child is experiencing facial swelling. In the event that the pain lasts longer than a day, please contact us.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
If the area in your child’s mouth is bruised, apply ice to relieve pain. For minor cuts and bites, your child may need to swish their mouth with warm saltwater. In order to stop bleeding, apply gentle and firm pressure by using sterile gauze or a clean cloth. A visit to the nearest emergency room is recommended if the bleeding does not stop with pressure or if it lasts longer than 15 minutes.
Broken Tooth
Use warm water to cleanse the area and apply a cold compress to relieve pain. If you can, collect any broken pieces of your child’s tooth. Without immediate care, your child’s broken tooth could become infected and require an extraction. Seek dental care right away.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
If possible, try to locate the lost tooth. The tooth should not be handled by its roots. The crown (top) should be held carefully. Do not attempt to clean or handle the tooth more than is necessary. Rinse it with plain water. Attempt to reinsert the tooth and instruct your child to hold it in place by biting on a piece of gauze or clean cloth in order to keep it in place. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, transport it in a glass of milk or water. It is imperative that you see a dentist immediately.
Possible Broken Jaw
In case of jaw injury, tie the mouth with a towel, tie, or handkerchief to restrict movement. Visit your nearest emergency room immediately.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
A piece of gauze should be folded and placed (tightly) over the bleeding area. For 15 minutes, instruct your child to bite down on the gauze. If bleeding persists, take your child to a dentist.
Cold or Canker Sores
Temporary relief can usually be obtained through over-the-counter medications. A trip to the dentist may be needed if the sores persist.
Comfort When They Need it Most
If your child has experienced a dental emergency, we know that you’re looking for a smooth and reliable process for handling the situation. As a parent, the last thing you need is to struggle to find resources or deal with chaos when prioritizing your child’s health. Our goal is to make your child feel comfortable during this stressful time and to ensure their safety. A dental emergency can be frightening or traumatic for your child, so we strive to provide gentle, caring support for them while treating the issue. Our team is skilled and well equipped to handle emergency situations while keeping your child calm throughout the process. Contact our office right away if you need help with a dental emergency.
