Dental emergencies come with no prior warning, either accidental mouth injury, sudden toothache, or knocked-out tooth. Such a situation can be distressing for any parent, and we can understand how difficult it can be for you to take action during such emergencies. Through this blog, we will help you understand ‘How to address paediatric dental emergencies effectively.’
Situations That Fall Under ‘Paediatric Dental Emergency’
But before we learn to take action, let’s understand situations that fall under ‘paediatric dental emergency’
Persisting Toothache
It’s alarming when there’s sudden toothache, especially when the pain is persistent in the teeth or gums.
Knocked-Out Tooth
When you see a permanent tooth completely out of its socket, it calls for an emergency.
Broken/Chipped Tooth
When you notice fractures, chipped teeth or visible cracks in teeth due to incidents like falls, accidents, or biting on hard objects.
Loose Tooth
When a permanent tooth seems to be loose, but at the same time is partially attached.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Immediate actions are expected when you see the mouth or oral bleeding.
Steps to Take During a Dental Emergency
1. Overcome the Panic and Stay Calm
When such a situation arises, the best way to tackle it is by staying calm. Easier said than done, this tactic will help your child to calm down. If you panic, your child will panic even more, therefore be calm and reassure your child that you are here to take care of them and that everything will be okay.
2. Evaluate the Situation
Before you rush to any decision, it is advised to assess the severity of the injury or the emergency. Is there any mouth bleeding? Is your child crying out in pain? Assessing the situation will guide you in taking the right steps.
3. Reach Out to the Dentist Immediately
If you feel things are out of your hands after assessing the situation, then reach out to your dentist immediately. At this point, you can reach out to any available dentist, even if he or she is not a paediatric dentist.
4. Manage Bleeding
If your child is bleeding from the mouth, then use a clean cloth or a handkerchief to apply gentle pressure to the area. To some extent, it will help in controlling the bleeding and will also provide comfort to your child.
5. Proper Handling of a Knocked-Out Tooth
When a permanent tooth is knocked out, make sure to carefully handle it by the crown (top part), not the root. Be gentle and clean it with water if dirty, make sure not to scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. A fall-out tooth needs to be preserved; you can either reinsert the tooth into its socket or store it in milk or saliva. This method will keep the tooth moist until you can see a dentist.
6. Protect Your Child from Damaging the Teeth Further
Ask your child to avoid touching the injured area with a finger or tongue. If you see your child biting on a hard object, immediately remove that object from their mouth and patiently ask them to follow the instructions. If you conquer this, then you can prevent further damage or contamination.
Postcare After the Treatment
When the situation becomes normal as before, make sure to book a follow-up appointment with your dentist. No matter how minor the injury is, it is advisable to check if there’s no further growth in infection or any other hidden complication.
Conclusion
We hope such situations will never arise, but if unfortunately, things go the other way, remember to take your child to the nearest dentist available. If you stay in Kandivali or the proximity, then you can bring your child to Smile, which is best known for kids dentistry in Thakur Village.