Common Children’s Dental Emergencies

Posted on January 5, 2023

Dental emergencies can be scary, especially if they happen to our children. According to AAPD, dental emergencies account for approximately 34 million lost school hours each year. That number indicates dental emergencies are common, especially if your child is frequently active. Luckily, pediatric dentists specialize in the care of your children’s teeth, and emergency care falls under their jurisdiction. The first step to getting your child the emergency dental care they need is knowing the signs of a dental emergency. This article will discuss some common children’s dental emergencies so you can get your child the help they need.

1. Broken Tooth

A broken, cracked, or chipped tooth is a common issue for children, especially when active. It can happen due to a fall, a sports collision, or biting something too hard. If your child experiences a broken tooth, it’s important to rinse their mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress. You should then call your pediatric dentist right away.

2. Toothache or Tooth Infection

A toothache or tooth infection can result from a cavity, crack, or other issues that allow bacteria to enter the tooth. If your child has an infection, they may experience severe pain and potentially swelling in their jaw or neck. You’ll know you have an emergency when the pain is severe enough to disrupt eating and sleeping. If your child has a toothache, get in touch with a pediatric dentist as soon as possible.

3. Knocked-Out Tooth

If a permanent or baby tooth gets knocked out, time is of the essence. Try to locate the tooth and rinse it with water (do not scrub or touch the root). You can then try repositioning the tooth in its socket if you’re able. If it doesn’t slide in easily, don’t force it. Once you’ve decided that the tooth is incapable of entering its socket again, put it in a cup of milk and get to your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. The tooth can be placed back into the mouth if treated quickly enough after the incident, so getting help as soon as possible is crucial.

4. Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by an infection in the gums or teeth. It can cause pain and swelling near the affected area. In some cases, your child may experience a fever or bad breath. They are usually easy to spot just by a glance inside the mouth.

Many common children’s dental emergencies require urgent care from a pediatric dentist. By being informed and aware of what’s considered urgent care, you can help ensure your little one receives prompt treatment if something happens. Contact Jacaranda Smiles today for a reliable and compassionate pediatric dentist for your child.