Dental emergencies occur often in young patients. Though some can require urgent treatment, it is important to remain calm while determining the course of action. Dental emergencies are any trauma or condition that requires immediate attention.
Examples include:
- Toothache
- Fractured or broken tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Tooth displacement
- Injured jaw bone, cheek, lip or tongue
Did you know…
more than 1 in 3 kids will experience a dental emergency during childhood or adolescence?
Often, these dental emergencies are caused by injury to the teeth, gums or soft tissues of the mouth. Though a dental trauma can occur at any point during childhood, children are most susceptible to them during the curious toddler years and during the pre-teen and adolescent years, when kids begin to participate in more vigorous sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do for an injury to the tongue lip or cheek?
Apply ice to the injured area. If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
What should I do if my child’s PERMANENT tooth is knocked out?
First, you should try to find the missing tooth. Once found, handle the tooth carefully by the crown (the top part), not the root portion (the portion normally unseen). You may gently rinse the tooth, but minimize any unnecessary handling as this may damage the tooth. Inspect the tooth for any broken or cracked areas. If the child will tolerate it and the tooth is without damage, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a piece of sterile gauze. Call our office immediately and alert us. Your child will need to be seen as soon as possible.
If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk.
What should I do if my child’s PERMANENT teeth are chipped or broken?
Contact our office. Addressing the broken tooth quickly may help to save the tooth, minimize risk of infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse your child’s mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
What should I do if my child’s BABY teeth are knocked out or chipped?
Call us at the office and examine for any associated injuries of the lip or soft tissues. Clean injured areas with water and apply a cold compress.
What should I do if my child suffers a possible broken or fractured jaw?
Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
