Can we put kids in a safe bubble?

As much as we want to, it’s impossible to keep children in a safe bubble. They have their own agenda. For some, this involves crossing the monkey bars in precarious ways. Other children are more inclined to be the star of the football team. Accidents are part of life, and there’s only so much we can do to prevent them. That’s why it’s important to know what to do when something happens! That way, you can keep your own anxiety at bay while you care for your little one.

Common dental emergencies in kids and their causes.

As much as we don’t want to think about it, accidents are a part of life. They’re good at sneaking in when you least expect it, too, so it’s good to be prepared just in case!

Dental emergencies are common among children, and the risks increase if they are in sports or have poor dental hygiene. Dental emergencies can occur after a car accident, two children colliding in the playground, or even a fall from the monkey bars. The injuries vary from a knocked-out tooth, a chip or fracture, or even toothaches. If you have a kid who’s prone to chewing on things, they might even end up with something lodged between their teeth.

We want our children to have the freedom to be kids, and to play without worries, but we also want them to be as safe as possible! But placing our little ones in a bubble isn’t always possible, so it’s important to know what to do if and when emergencies strike. 

Immediate Actions: What to Do

Immediately after an accident, it can be difficult to keep a level hand. Your child might be panicking, meaning you might do the same thing. It’s important to stay calm and take a few deep breaths. Remember, it’ll be much easier to solve the problem when you are calm! To help you prepare, here is a guide on how to solve some of the more common dental emergencies. 

Tissue Injuries

If your child bit their lip, tongue, or cheek during a fall, it’s certain to be a mess. The same goes for cuts to the gums. The goal here is to stop the bleeding. Hold some gauze on the area, with pressure, for 10–15 minutes and do what you can to keep your little one calm. You can treat swelling with over-the-counter medication or a cold compress. If the bleeding is severe or doesn’t stop, contact emergency services.  

Chipped/Broken Teeth

If your child has a chipped or broken tooth, the first step is to stay calm. Gather as many little pieces as possible and help your child rinse their mouth. You can store these little pieces in a bag with saline solution or milk. To help with any bleeding, press gauze against the affected area. As soon as everything is under control, give your dentist a call and make an emergency appointment.

Knocked Out (Permanent) Tooth

Gather that precious tooth and give it a gentle rinse. If there is any tissue attached, leave it alone. When it is free of debris, try to put it back in the socket. If you can’t do this (we get it, kids have minds of their own!) store the tooth in a bag of milk or saline solution. But be sure to call the dentist immediately! The chances of reinserting the original tooth into the socket go down drastically after only half an hour.

Broken Braces

After you ensure your little one is safe, give your child’s orthodontist a call. They are the only ones who can safely repair braces or similar devices. 

Preventing Dental Emergencies

Children can be rambunctious at times, and though we don’t want to stop their fun, prevention is the key to keeping that smile healthy. If your child plays sports, remind them how important it is to wear the appropriate gear to stay safe. Be sure they have a proper fitting mouth guard, and make sure they wear it!

It may seem simple, but one way to help prevent dental emergencies is to keep those regular dental checkups. If anything is going wrong, we here at Pediatric Dental Specialists will be able to pin it down and solve it! We will also be able to help your child adjust their oral hygiene practices as necessary to ensure they have strong teeth and gums to protect against potential injuries. 

Accidents Happen

Though we may do everything in our power to prevent dental emergencies, accidents still happen. Because of this, it’s important to know what to do if and when a dental emergency arrives, whether it is a broken tooth or a bloody lip.

Remember, it never hurts to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s oral health. It’s better to call than wish you had! We are available to be partners in the care of your child’s smile!