When your child has a medical emergency, it can be scary. The National Library of Medicine reported that 50.2% of children under 16 have experienced a dental emergency. It’s good to be aware of what these emergencies look like so that you can provide the appropriate care for your child. Here are some common dental emergencies among children.
Knocked-Out Teeth
It's usual for kids to fall, trip, and run into things, so it’s not surprising that one of the most common types of dental emergencies for kids is knocked-out teeth. When a tooth is knocked out, there can be a lot of bleeding. It’s important not to panic, as your child isn’t in any danger. You'll want to control the bleeding and find the lost tooth if it's permanent. If you can visit a kids dentist that specializes in dental emergencies, it's important to do so quickly.
Loosened Teeth
It’s also possible for a tooth to get knocked loose. This is when there's an impact on the mouth, but the tooth isn’t knocked out. This is different from a naturally occurring loose tooth. Baby teeth will become loose as they're getting ready to fall out. But if the tooth is hit and becomes loose, this can be a problem. This is especially worrisome if it’s not a baby tooth but rather a permanent tooth. You’ll need to visit a kids dentist to ensure the tooth stays in place.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Accidents can also result in teeth getting chipped or cracked. This is considered an emergency because it can cause pain for your child. If a tooth is chipped or cracked due to an impact, you should visit the dentist as soon as possible in hopes of it being repaired and to avoid infection.
Toothache
If your child is complaining of a painful toothache, you should visit the dentist right away. A toothache could be a sign of a serious infection. Clean the area of the affected tooth and apply a cold compress to the outside of the jaw for swelling.
These are just a few examples of dental emergencies that are common among children. If you’re looking for a kids dentist in your area that also offers emergency services, contact the team at Martin Kids Dental today.
