Dental emergencies can be evident or subtle. As a parent, it’s essential to act quickly to reduce your child’s pain and protect their teeth. Here are some common dental emergencies you might encounter and what you can do to help your child on the way to the pediatric dentist.

A Parent’s Guide to Dental Emergencies

1. Fractures

If your child breaks a tooth on a hard object, provide pain medication and apply a cold compress to their cheek to reduce discomfort and swelling. A fracture lets decay-causing bacteria attack the sensitive inside of the tooth and should be treated immediately. A dentist may fill small breaks with dental cement, but larger fractures may require a crown.

2. Lost Teeth

If your child loses a tooth prematurely—even a baby tooth—pick it up by the crown and place it in a cup of milk. You can also wrap it in a wet napkin.

Losing baby teeth prematurely can impact how adult teeth come in. They may crowd into an adjacent socket, erupt crookedly, or shift surrounding teeth.

If you can reach a pediatric dentist within an hour, it may be possible to reattach the tooth. They’ll insert the tooth into the gum socket and secure it with a splint until the tissue reattaches.

3. Uncontrolled Bleeding

Bleeding in the mouth often means your child bit themself or lacerated their gums on a sharp object. Provide a clean, wet paper towel and press it against the wound. Visit an emergency dentist or urgent care center so they can sterilize the wound to prevent infection and stitch it up.

4. Constant Pain

Persistent pain may stem from a root canal infection, deep cavity, or impacted wisdom teeth in teens. A cold compress and pain reliever will keep your child comfortable until they see the dentist.

To treat a root canal infection, the pediatric dentist will enter the tooth to remove the infected pulp, clean the chambers, and seal the hole with a crown.

Cavities may only require cleaning and filling. An impacted tooth will need to be extracted before it damages adjacent teeth or develops a cyst.

5. Abscesses

Abscesses are pus pockets that form below or to the side of a tooth root because of bacterial infections. When untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, and head and cause a lot of pain, so you should see a dentist right away.

Reduce discomfort by having your child swish warm saltwater. They can do the same with a half-tablespoon of baking soda and water, or you can apply a cold compress. Their dentist will drain the abscess and prescribe an antibiotic to eliminate the infection.

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Anchorage, AK, contact Discovery Dental. They provide children and teens with preventative and emergency care in a welcoming environment. Schedule an appointment by calling (907) 622-5437, or learn more about their services on their website.