Dental emergencies can feel daunting for most people, but for a child they feel even more terrifying. It's important to seek out emergency dental work as soon as possible, even if you're unsure as to whether it's necessary. By knowing more about how to manage a child's dental emergency, you can keep yours safe until they can see a professional.
Assess What Has Happened
If you're dealing with an accident that involves your child's face, take a look in their mouth to see if any of their teeth are chipped or missing. Teeth are quite strong, so if an accident has hit them hard enough to damage one or knock it out, something more serious could be going on beneath the surface. Always seek out an emergency dental service if your child is suffering from tooth damage.
Provide Pain Relief
It's advisable to provide your child with over-the-counter pain relief if they're complaining that the pain is too much to handle. Look for child versions of paracetamol or ibuprofen and follow the dosing instructions on the packet. As asthma usually means that it isn't safe for a child to use ibuprofen, you should always seek advice from a professional first if your child has an asthma diagnosis. If their mouth is bleeding, they may also benefit from biting down on a clean piece of cloth.
Try to Find the Missing Tooth
Even if the missing tooth is in pieces, try placing it in a sealed container with some milk. If you can't find the missing tooth, there's a chance that they may have inhaled or swallowed it, which means they could need a medical review as well as dental treatment. Some older children may respond well to you placing the tooth back into their socket. However, you should avoid touching the end that comes into contact with the nerve. Additionally, don't force them to have the tooth in their socket if they're not willing, as they may lose it again.
Seek Urgent Dental Treatment
Always seek emergency dental work urgently, especially when it comes to accidents. The sooner your dentist can assess the problem, the easier it will be for them to rectify it. Try to avoid letting a lack of pain lull you into a false sense of security. Until your child has had a rapid dental review, there's no way of telling whether they will need further treatment.
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