Dental emergencies can be alarming at any age, but they’re particularly stressful when they happen to kids. To prepare you for these possibilities, find out how to respond to these matters and protect your child’s smile with help from a dentist. 

What Are Common Dental Emergencies?

Severe Toothache

A severe toothache is often the result of a cavity or tooth decay that has irritated and exposed sensitive dental nerves. However, sometimes the problem may just be food stuck between the teeth.

If your child has a toothache, gently brush and floss around the tooth to remove any debris that could be causing stress. If the pain continues, see a dentist for a filling.

Fractured Tooth

When oral injuries cause a tooth to crack, have your child rinse with warm salt water to sterilize the injury. Next, apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling and ease the pain.

Visit the dentist as soon as possible to treat the tooth. Treatment may involve root canal therapy to address nerve damage and dental crown placement to restore the tooth. If the broken piece of the tooth is recoverable, save it and bring it with you.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If an oral injury causes an entire tooth to fall out, make sure the damage is only limited to the tooth. If there is excessive bleeding, bruising, or pain, seek care from an emergency room or call 911 for ambulance support.

In other cases, locate the missing tooth and place it in a glass of milk for preservation. Have your child rinse their mouth with warm saltwater and compress the injured area with gauze to suppress bleeding. Visit the dentist immediately to see if the tooth can be placed back in the socket.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

To prevent decay-related issues, make sure your child maintains a healthy brushing and flossing schedule and visits the dentist every six months for cleanings.

If your child plays sports, have them wear a custom mouthguard. The extra cushion will help shield the teeth from impact that may cause them to crack or fall out.

When dental emergencies happen, don’t wait to seek help. Turn to the caring professionals at Helmbrecht Dental in Fairbanks, AK. Serving patients of all ages, these experienced dentists will take care to gently address painful decay and severe injuries. Whether your little one needs a filling or a complete restoration, you can count on this team to provide support at every stage of treatment. Visit the clinic online to learn more about their services, or call (907) 456-1237 to make an appointment.