Handling Your Child’s Dental Emergency

Essential Tips for Handling Dental Emergencies in Children

When a dental emergency occurs, knowing how to respond swiftly can significantly save your child's teeth. Below is a guide with helpful information you can refer to during a dental emergency, so bookmark it for quick access in stressful situations.

Dealing With a Knocked-out Tooth

If your child's tooth is knocked out, prompt action is crucial. Ideally, you should visit a dentist within 30 minutes. Gather any fragments or the entire tooth before heading to the dental office.

• Primary (baby) teeth: It's common for children to lose their baby teeth naturally. However, if the tooth is knocked out due to trauma, it can affect the underlying permanent tooth. Bring your child to the dentist as soon as possible. If the tooth is fully dislodged, do not attempt to reinsert it into the gum. 
• Permanent (adult) teeth: The process is different for permanent teeth. If an adult tooth is knocked out, carefully hold it by the crown (the part visible in the mouth), avoiding the root. If it's dirty, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place with a clean cloth or gauze. If that's not feasible, follow these steps: 
1. Have your child hold the tooth between their cheek and gums or under their tongue.
2. Place the tooth in a container filled with milk, saliva, or a saline solution. If none are available, water can be used as a last resort.

What to Do With a Broken or Cracked Tooth

A fractured tooth also requires immediate attention. Call the dentist right away and bring toothpicks when you visit, if possible. In the meantime, rinse your child's mouth with warm water to clean the area, and wrap any found fragments in moist gauze or a damp towel. To manage swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of the face.

Treating Bites to the Cheek, Tongue, or Lips

Children sometimes accidentally bite their cheek, tongue, or lip, especially during play or after dental anesthesia. Clean the area carefully with a cloth and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If bleeding is severe or doesn't stop within an hour or two, consult a dentist or visit urgent care.

Removing Objects Stuck Between Teeth

Sometimes, objects can get stuck between teeth, causing discomfort. Avoid using sharp tools like toothpicks to remove them. Instead, gently use dental floss to dislodge the object. If flossing doesn't work, seek assistance from a dentist.

Managing Toothaches and Facial Swelling

Facial swelling may indicate a more serious issue, like an infection. Contact a dentist or doctor immediately if your child's face is swollen. You can rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it and offer over-the-counter pain medication as needed. However, do not apply aspirin directly to the gums or teeth, as it can damage the tissue.

Handling a Suspected Broken Jaw

If you suspect that your child has a broken jaw, apply a cold compress to control the swelling and head to the nearest emergency room or dental office right away.

Be Prepared While Traveling

Traveling can present challenges when a dental emergency arises. Before your trip, identify a dentist at your destination through resources like the American Dental Association's Find a Dentist tool. The U.S. Embassy website may offer lists of local medical professionals, including dentists, for international trips.

Having a basic understanding of dental emergencies will help you act calmly and effectively when your child faces an unexpected situation. Taking immediate action can not only relieve discomfort but also help preserve the child's smile.