Accidents happen, especially with active kids. While we hope they never experience one, a dental emergency can be frightening for both you and your child. Knowing how to react quickly and appropriately can make a significant difference in the outcome and ease your child’s distress.
The first and most crucial step in any child’s dental emergency is to stay calm. Your composure will help reassure your child. Then, assess the situation and contact your pediatric dentist in Rancho Cucamonga immediately. They can provide specific instructions based on the emergency.
Here’s a guide to handling common pediatric dental emergencies:
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
- Act Fast: Time is critical. Find the tooth.
- Handle with Care: Hold the tooth by the crown (the chewing part), not the root.
- Rinse Gently (if dirty): Use milk or saline solution. Do NOT scrub or use soap.
- Try to Reinsert: If possible, gently push the tooth back into its socket and have your child bite down on a clean cloth or gauze.
- Keep it Moist: If re-insertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a small container of milk, your child’s saliva (if they are old enough not to swallow it), or an emergency tooth preservation kit (like Save-A-Tooth®). Avoid storing it in water.
- See Your Dentist Immediately: Ideally within 30 minutes to an hour.
Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
- Do NOT Reinsert: Re-implanting a baby tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
- Comfort Your Child: Offer a cold compress for swelling.
- Contact Your Dentist: They’ll want to check for any other damage to the mouth or surrounding teeth.
Chipped, Cracked, or Fractured Tooth
- Rinse: Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water.
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek to reduce swelling.
- Save Fragments: If you can find any broken pieces, bring them to the dentist.
- See Your Dentist Promptly: Even minor chips can have sharp edges or lead to further damage.
Toothache
- Rinse: Have your child rinse their mouth thoroughly with warm water.
- Floss Gently: Carefully floss around the sore tooth to remove any trapped food particles.
- Cold Compress: Apply to the cheek if there’s swelling.
- Avoid Aspirin on Gums: Never place aspirin or any painkiller directly against the gums near the aching tooth, as it can burn the gum tissue.
- See Your Dentist: Toothaches can indicate infection or decay.
Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek
- Clean Gently: Use a clean cloth and apply gentle pressure to the bleeding area.
- Reduce Swelling: Apply a cold compress.
- Seek Medical Attention: If bleeding is excessive or doesn’t stop after 10-15 minutes of pressure, go to your pediatric dentist or the nearest emergency room.
Objects Caught Between Teeth
- Try Dental Floss: Gently attempt to remove the object with dental floss.
- Never Use Sharp Objects: Avoid using pins or other sharp instruments, as you could cut the gums or scratch the tooth surface.
- See Your Dentist: If you can’t remove the object, your dentist in Rancho Cucamonga can.
When in Doubt, Call Your Pediatric Dentist!
Most pediatric dentists in Rancho Cucamonga have after-hours emergency contact information. Keep their number handy. Prompt and proper care during a dental emergency can save a tooth, prevent infection, and reduce your child’s pain. Regular dental check-ups also play a role in preventing some emergencies by identifying potential issues early.