Dental Emergency Care For Children

Posted May 13, 2022

Summer means kids playing sports or taking up hobbies like martial arts during their time off from school. However, this also makes kids more likely to develop damaged teeth. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about how we approach emergency dental care, and how you can help safeguard your little one’s smile.

When Children Face an Emergency

A dental emergency could be obvious, like a cracked or chipped tooth, or one that has become lost. They could also include sudden pain in the teeth, or even an object caught between them that cannot be removed with floss. When discomfort and injuries arise, you should give our office a call right away. When you do, even if this is outside of normal business hours, we will find a time to see your child and offer care. Remember, delaying treatment for an injured or aching tooth could increase the risk of painful cavities and infection.

Preparing for Treatment

First, have your child rinse with warm water. If an object is caught between the teeth, try and remove it with floss. If a tooth is injured or bleeding is present, use a bit of gauze or cloth to stem it. A cold compress or ice pack to the side of the face can control swelling too. If a tooth is broken, try and recover any piece and bring them to the office with you. If a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown, ever touch the roots. Rinse it under water to remove dirt, but keep any tissues in place. Place it back into the socket and have your child gently bite down to keep it in place, or put it in a glass of milk or salt water. If a crown or filling is loose or lost, then be sure your child avoids very sugary foods or drinks, or items that are especially hot or cold, as the exposed tooth is quite sensitive. They can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever too.

Taking Preventive Approaches

At our office, we can provide treatment to repair the teeth, often in as little as one visit for dental bonding or filling placement. We can also discuss ways to help safeguard little smiles from further damage. For example, talk to us about a custom mouthguard to prevent damage when they play sports or martial arts. If you have any questions about emergency dental care for kids, then contact our team today.

Does Your Child Have an Injured Tooth?

We’re ready to address injuries or decay before they threaten the stability of a little smile. If you have any questions about how we help kids enjoy good oral health again, then contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.