Preparing Your Child For Emergency Visits
Emergency dentistry means treatment for damaged teeth, treatment that is offered even outside of normal business hours. But between calling our office and showing up with your child, steps can be taken to safeguard the smile. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about emergency dentistry.
When a Dental Emergency Is Necessary
We suggest this when your child’s teeth become damaged, or if they develop discomfort. An object caught between them that floss cannot be removed is cause for concern too, as is loose or lost fillings or crowns. Essentially, these factors could expose sensitive inner tissues to bacteria, and lead to complications like tooth decay and dental infection. When a tooth is damaged or in pain, give us a call. Even outside of normal business hours, we can call back with a time to see your child and offer treatment. After all, these things rarely happen during normal business hours!
Preparing Little Smiles
If a tooth is cracked or broken, see if any pieces can be saved and bright with you. If not, repair is still possible. You can control bleeding with gauze or cloth, and use a cold compress against the side of the face to prevent facial swelling. Have your little one rinse with warm water too.
If an object is caught between the teeth, only use floss to try and dislodge it. Have your child rinse with warm water as well. Remember, using anything besides floss could mean inadvertent tooth or gum damage.
If a tooth hurts, floss on either side of it and have your child rinse their mouth. If this fails to alleviate pain, then schedule a visit.
If a crown or filling is loose or lost, make sure your kids avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks, or items high in sugar, as the exposed tooth is very sensitive.
If a tooth a knocked out, then pick it up by the crown, never touch the root, and rinse it under gently running water to remove dirt. Put it in a glass of salt water or milk and bring it with you to the office. For this and any other issues, your children can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Protecting Their Teeth
Be sure they wear a mouthguard when playing full contact sports or martial arts, as this can safeguard them against injured teeth. If you have any questions about dental emergency care, then contact our team today to learn more.
Your Dallas, TX, Dentist Offers Emergency Dentistry
Our team wants to help protect smiles from the complications of untreated damage, such as tooth decay. If you have any questions about repairing or protecting little smiles, then contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Dental Emergencies