Teeth and mouth injuries happen all the time, from playground falls to sports injuries. Colliding with a sibling? That too!
Sometimes it’s difficult to know what to do, how serious it is, and how to protect your little one’s precious smile!
This post is sponsored by our friends at Alameda Pediatric Dentistry, who offered the following guidance. Save it for later!
Absolutely wonderful care for my 2yo who fell and broke her tooth. They were able to get her in the next day, provide excellent emergency care and make the process feel safe and fun for her.
– Jen H.
Advice for Handling 5 Common Dental Emergencies
Toothache
Toothaches are most often caused by new teeth coming in or food stuck between teeth. The first step in addressing this is to rinse your little one’s mouth with warm water. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. If the pain persists, schedule a dental visit.
Cut or Bitten Cheeks or Lips
For swelling, apply a cold compress for 20 minutes. (Even better, a popsicle will likely lift your child’s spirits!)
If there is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the area with a clean cloth. Call your dentist right away if bleeding continues after 10 minutes of direct pressure, or if you suspect that a tooth has been displaced.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Your child may chip a tooth after falling from a bicycle or a slide, or even while eating a piece of hard candy. When this happens, place all the pieces of the tooth you can find in milk (for real!), rinse your child’s mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress. Call the dentist as soon as possible for an appointment.
Knocked Out Tooth
If a baby tooth becomes loosened to the brink of falling, your dentist may advise removing it to prevent the possibility of choking. Dislodged baby teeth are not re-implanted; however, your dentist will want to check the area for potential damage to the permanent tooth.
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies, and fast action can save the tooth! Here are the steps to follow:
1. Find the tooth. Do not touch the tooth roots! Handle the crown only.
2. If child is conscious and will allow immediate tooth replacement, gently rinse off dirt and debris with water for no more than 10 seconds. Do NOT scrub or scrape the tooth. Gently insert the tooth into it’s original socket using gentle pressure. Ensure the tooth is in the proper orientation by checking that it matches the neighboring teeth. Have the child gently bite down on gauze, a washcloth or other soft material to stabilize the tooth and absorb bleeding.
3. If immediate replacement is not possible, place the tooth in cold milk, or in a cup with their saliva. Do not let the tooth dry.
4. Take the child and the tooth to the dentist right away. The child needs to be seen within an hour. The longer the tooth stays outside the mouth, the less likely it will survive.
When in doubt, call your pediatric dentist
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. If something feels off or you’re unsure of the next step, reach out to your child’s dentist. Acting quickly can make all the difference in protecting tiny teeth and bright smiles.
Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics can help. Their team will provide customized advice based on the situation and schedule an appointment if treatment is needed to ensure your child’s oral health and comfort. Save their number and provide the contact info to teachers, coaches, school nurses, and babysitters. When an emergency happens, it’s important to reach out as soon as possible!
Visit the Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics website to copy and paste the contact info of their office nearest you. (Offices in Alameda, Oakland, Pleasanton, and Brentwood.)
Thanks to Alameda Pediatric Dentistry for being a {510} Families sponsor. Call them today to book an appointment!
