Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Citrus Heights, CA
 Try as we might to protect our little ones, a dental accident can take place anywhere and at any time. Knowing how you should correctly handle a pediatric dental emergency may just mean the difference between the loss of a tooth or saving the tooth.
For any dental emergency, it is important your child is seen by our dentist at Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics as soon as possible.
Handling a Knocked Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, it is important that you keep it moist at all times. It can be placed into a cup of milk until you are able to get into our office. If the child is old enough, the tooth can be kept moist by placing it between the cheek and gums while on the way to our dental office.
If a baby tooth has been knocked out, it does not need to be kept moist. It is still important to be seen by our dentist, however. A baby tooth that was lost too soon may potentially result in misalignment concerns if the other surrounding teeth begin to shift.
A Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth should be considered a pediatric emergency, even if there is no pain felt. A crack in a tooth can make it easier for bacteria to make its way into the tooth, resulting in rapid decay. Immediately rinse out the mouth with lukewarm water, in order to help keep it clean. Apply a cold compress to the cheek, to help with any swelling.
Call to make an appointment to be seen by our dentist as soon as possible so that the cracked tooth can be addressed.
Treating Toothaches In Children
Toothaches should be taken seriously in children. If your child is experiencing a toothache, rinse out his/her mouth with lukewarm water to remove any food debris. Gently floss between their teeth, to remove any food that may be trapped between the teeth. A topical pain reliever designed for oral discomfort may offer temporary comfort until the child can be examined by our dentist.
Removing Stuck Objects
It is possible for children to get food or other objects wedged between their teeth. You can try to remove the object gently with dental floss. Avoid using pointed or sharp instruments to try and dislodge the object.
Call our office so that your child can be seen by our dentist. You could also take your child to the emergency room.
Avoiding a Dental Emergency
While it is not possible to completely avoid every type of dental emergency, there are some simple precautions that you can take to help protect the health of your child and their mouth.
If your child participates in sports, consider investing in a mouthguard to protect their teeth, gums, and overall oral wellness. Discourage the use of teeth in order to open things, or to cut at things. This is something that most of us are guilty of, but it is definitely an unhealthy habit.
Remind your child to avoid running around the house with objects in their mouth. This could include pencils, lollypops, toothbrushes, and more. Sticking with safety, be sure to block access to stairways and other potentially dangerous parts of your home.
Keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong with visits to see our dentist at Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics every six months. Our warm and welcoming child-friendly environment will set our patients at ease. Call (916) 962-0577 to schedule a checkup or to get your child seen for a dental emergency.
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