Youthful energy, sports activities and a lack of fully developed coordination create the perfect mix for dental trauma. Children are at a greater risk for oral injuries during toddlerhood when they first begin to explore their environment independently and again during adolescence when they begin to take greater risks such as playing football or competing in gymnastics. Fortunately, most dental emergencies have a good chance of recovery provided you apply the appropriate first-aid and promptly have them seen by a children’s dentist.
Knocked Out Tooth
When a tooth is knocked out, it is important to act quickly by scheduling an emergency appointment with your local dentist office. Make sure to rinse any dirt or debris off of the tooth using water, but do not rub or scrape the tooth. Then, place it in a glass of milk or saliva to keep it from drying out. Once you are at the children’s dentist, they will assess the damage and determine whether or not it is possible to try to reattach the tooth.
Toothache
When a toothache occurs, there is usually some type of cause that must be addressed to find relief. Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water, and check to see if food or some other type of debris may be lodged between their teeth and gums. If so, use a toothbrush, floss or your finger to remove it. Encourage your child to use good dental hygiene to prevent the problem from occurring again. If the cause is not obvious, then any number of things could be causing the toothache. Apply a cold compress and give over-the-counter pain medicine for children. Then contact your local dentist office to have the problem diagnosed and treated.
Dental Concussion
Sometimes, children experience a tooth injury that involves direct trauma such as might occur during a fall. Yet, the injury is not obvious for several weeks until a parent or child discovers discoloration during their dental hygiene routine. These teeth sometimes turn gray, greenish or a brownish-black hue. For toddlers, a dental concussion may be left in the mouth with careful monitoring by the dentist. However, permanent teeth may require additional treatment such as a root canal and crown to preserve the tooth.
Dental emergencies can be frightening, yet there are many things that can be done to preserve your child’s beautiful smile. Call our Monroe emergency dentist office today to schedule an appointment that will help your child feel comfortable should they ever experience dental trauma.