Dealing with a pediatric dental emergency can be very stressful if you do not know what to do. Quick and appropriate action is crucial, but there are many different kinds of dental emergencies, each requiring different actions. It is also easy to confuse what is and is not a true emergency.
Sometimes it can be hard to tell if a dental problem is truly an emergency that needs immediate attention or if it can wait. This decision can be especially stressful on weekends or after hours when the costs and hassle of seeing a dentist or doctor usually go up.
The following problems constitute a dental emergency and should be treated immediately: Severe bleeding, abscesses, damaged or dislodged teeth, swollen gums, jaw injuries and severe pain. If the situation is still unclear, call and ask whether the child should be brought in.
Act fast but do not panic. If a tooth has been chipped or knocked loose, gather the loose piece and rinse it off with water. Do not hold it by the root. If possible, gently place the tooth back in its socket. If this is not feasible, place the tooth in milk and bring it to the dentist. Even if the lost tooth is a non-permanent (baby) tooth, it is still advisable to bring it to along.
For painful problems, ibuprofen is a good choice. Avoid aspirin since it may cause extra bleeding. Have the child rinse their mouth out with warm water and apply a cold compress if necessary. Use some gauze and gentle pressure to stop any bleeding.
It is a good idea to have basic supplies such as gauze, ibuprofen and a cold compress readily available. This can help save precious minutes in an emergency.
Usually, a dentist is the correct choice for a pediatric dental emergency. Emergency department doctors at a hospital cannot perform dental procedures nor are dentists typically on staff. For nearly all dental emergencies, the dentist should be the initial doctor called. Making a trip to the hospital first will usually just waste time and money.
However, if a child has jaw injuries, a severe infection or bleeding that does not stop under light pressure, a visit to the E.R. should be the first course of action.
No one wants to experience dental problems, and they can be especially distressing for children. Using the appropriate preventive measures to decrease the odds of a dental emergency can save a lot of pain and hassle later on.
Be sure children wear mouth guards and other suitable protection during sports or other potentially dangerous activities. Regular dental cleanings are another important step in preventing dental trauma in children. Routine cleaning prevents tooth decay and keeps enamel strong. A dentist may also notice potential problems during the cleaning before they become serious.
Pediatric dental emergencies can happen in an instant, and quick action is crucial. Evaluate the situation, preserve any loose teeth and call the dentist immediately. Taking preventive measures can avoid emergencies in the first place.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dental Care in Middletown, NY.
Your children’s teeth need to last a lifetime, and a children’s dentist can help with that. The right way to prevent damage to the teeth is to stop an emergency from happening. There are several steps you can take to lower the chances of an emergency. Helping your kids swap poor habits for good ones…
Your emergency pediatric dentist can provide some valuable tips for managing your child’s tooth pain. Dental pain can be overwhelming for the child and the parent. Relieving it until you get to the emergency dental clinic can keep the child calm and ready for treatment. Here are some emergency pediatric dentist tips for managing your…
A dental emergency is any condition that compromises the tooth’s structure or causes persistent oral bleeding or severe pain, and it needs to be treated by an emergency pediatric dentist.A pediatric dental emergency can sometimes occur despite the parents’ best efforts. The following are common emergencies that can affect children.A toothache can affect children of…
Going to an emergency pediatric dentist can be scary for your child and you. There will be concerns and worries anytime your child’s well-being is at risk. The dentist can diagnose and treat even the most severe conditions. Still, to prepare your child, it is helpful to use calming techniques to make the visit as…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day…
The oral hygiene basics kids need to practice to keep their teeth looking clean and…
Seeing an emergency pediatric dentist is important for the child’s immediate relief and general well-being.
Dental X-rays are useful in locating cavities in specific areas of the teeth.
Oral hygiene basics are crucial for promoting strong oral health in your child. While responsibly…
Everyone learns oral hygiene basics when young, but some details get lost over time. When…
