Dental emergencies can be unsettling, especially when they happen to school-age children who are more active and involved in various activities. Knowing how to effectively handle these situations can make a significant difference in managing the emergency and ensuring the safety and health of your child's teeth. This guide will walk you through common dental emergencies faced by school-age children and provide steps on how to handle them.
Tooth Knocked Out: Active children are at a higher risk of knocking out a tooth, especially during sports or play. If an adult tooth (or permanent tooth) is knocked out, find the tooth and rinse it gently in milk or saline solution, handling it by the crown, not the root. Try to reinsert it in the socket immediately. If this isn't possible, store the tooth in milk and get to a dentist within 30 minutes if you can.
Chipped or Broken Tooth: If your child chips or breaks a tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water to remove debris. If the broken piece can be found, keep it moist in a cup of milk and bring it to the dentist. Apply a cold compress to the face to reduce swelling and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Toothache: A toothache can signify cavities or infections. Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water to cleanse it. Check for impacted food and remove it with dental floss. Avoid applying heat or any topical pain relievers directly to the gum as this may cause damage. If pain persists, contact your dentist.
Objects Caught Between Teeth: Teach your child never to use sharp objects to remove stuck items. Use dental floss to gently remove the debris. If the object remains stuck, it's time to see the dentist.
Bitten Lip or Tongue with Bleeding: Clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. If the bleeding is heavy or doesn't stop after 10 minutes, seek medical attention.
Stay Calm: Children often look to adults on how to react. By staying calm, you help soothe your child, which can make handling the situation easier.
Evaluate the Situation: Quickly assess the severity of the injury. If there are signs of more serious injuries, such as unconsciousness, severe cuts, or jaw misalignments, seek emergency medical services immediately, as
Contact Your Dentist: Have your dentist's contact ready for all dental emergencies. Maroubra Dental Clinic has an emergency number for after-hours situations.
Preventive Measures: Encourage the use of mouthguards during sports, supervise rough play, and maintain regular dental check-ups to strengthen teeth with professional cleanings and fluoride treatments.
Keep a dental emergency kit that includes:
For severe cases such as jaw fractures, unconsciousness, or persistent bleeding, head straight to the emergency room. These situations require more comprehensive medical care than an emergency dentist can provide.
Handling dental emergencies in school-age children requires prompt action and calm decision-making. Being prepared can help you manage these situations effectively, minimizing discomfort and preventing further complications.
To learn more about preventing dental emergencies or to equip yourself with knowledge on handling them, schedule a visit to our clinic. We at Maroubra Dental Clinic are committed to supporting your child’s dental health with expert care and advice.