As parents, we often prepare for scrapes and fevers, but dental emergencies can catch us off guard. Knowing how to respond when your toddler faces a dental crisis is crucial. It not only prevents further damage but also ensures your little one gets the best possible care quickly. In this guide, we'll walk through common dental emergencies involving toddlers and provide actionable steps to handle each scenario effectively.
Tooth Knocked Out: It's a heart-stopping moment when a toddler knocks out a tooth. If it's a baby tooth, the main goal is to comfort your child and control any bleeding with a gentle rinse and a cold compress. Do not try to reinsert the tooth, as this could damage the developing permanent tooth. For a knocked-out permanent tooth (though rare at toddler age), find the tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root), and if possible, rinse with milk and reinsert it into the socket, then head to the dentist immediately.
Chipped or Broken Tooth: If your child chips or breaks a tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist. Apply a cold compress to the face to reduce swelling.
Toothache: Toothaches can make toddlers very irritable. Rinse their mouth with warm water to clean it out. Check for any obvious food particles trapped between the teeth and remove them with gentle flossing. If the pain persists, contact your pediatric dentist.
Bitten Lip or Tongue with Bleeding: If your toddler bites their lip or tongue severely enough to cause bleeding, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. If bleeding does not stop after 15-20 minutes or it's excessive, seek medical attention.
Keep Calm: Your reaction influences how your toddler reacts. Stay calm and reassure them, as this can help reduce their anxiety.
Contact Your Dentist Immediately: Keep your dentist’s number in an easily accessible place. Call them immediately for advice or an emergency dental appointment.
Preventive Measures: To minimize dental emergencies and the probability of dental trauma, supervise your child during play, especially during activities that could result in falls or collisions. Avoid letting your child run with objects in their mouth, and child-proof your home to prevent accidents.
Prepare a small dental first aid kit that includes:
Certain dental emergencies require immediate medical attention. If your toddler has uncontrollable bleeding, severe pain that can't be managed, or signs of infection such as fever or swelling, go to the emergency room or call your emergency services.
While we hope you never need to use this information, being informed can help you respond swiftly and appropriately. Regular dental check-ups are vital in preventing these emergencies and keeping your child’s teeth healthy.
If you're unsure about how to handle a dental emergency or want to learn more about preventive dental care for your child, don’t hesitate to contact us at Maroubra Dental Clinic. We’re here to support your child’s dental health in every way possible with dental treatment and and a range of services to support your family's oral health.