Dental Emergencies

First, remain calm. If your child has knocked a tooth out, find the tooth, trying to avoid touching the root of the tooth. If it is a baby tooth, DO NOT place it back in the mouth, but visit the dentist to ensure no other trauma has occurred (placing a baby tooth back in can cause long-term damage to the permanent tooth bud). If a permanent tooth is knocked out, rinse with cool water only (not scrubbing) and gently try to reinsert it into the socket where the tooth was. If that is not possible for whatever reason, place the tooth in a glass of cold milk and visit the pediatric dentist immediately (the faster you act the better chances of saving the tooth). If your child’s tooth was not knocked out, it is still important to visit the pediatric dentist to fully assess all injuries, including providing antibiotics where necessary. Any fractured pieces of teeth should also be saved and brought to the office. If your child experienced a blow to the head or jaw, he/she needs immediate medical attention as head injuries can be life-threatening.

First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain; do not place aspirin on the teeth or gums. Aspirin should not be given to your child in any form. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible. If your child should have swelling visible outside the face, it is very important to see a dentist right away or, during off hours, visit your nearest emergency room as this could develop into a serious condition.

Your child’s risk for dental injuries can be reduced greatly by following a few simple suggestions.

-Child-proofing your house is very important – things to look out for include: sharp objects, potentials for slips such as rugs, electrical outlets that your child can place fingers in, loose wires that your child can place in his/her mouth, slippery bathtubs.
-Baby walkers, although popular in the past, have been increasingly discouraged by health professionals as they can lead to harmful accidents.
-Your child should avoid wearing socks in the house that can cause him/her to slip easily.
-Always use a car seat for younger children and seatbelts for older children, including belts in strollers.
-Reduce your child’s risk for oral injury in sports by wearing protective gear, including a mouth-guard and helmet.
-Regular dental check-ups provide your dentist an opportunity to discuss other age-appropriate preventive strategies with your child.