When it comes to our little ones, we want to make sure that they’re in perfect health. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, challenging their minds, getting check ups at the doctor and pediatric dentist in Fair Lawn, and helping them maintain their oral health. Unfortunately, sometimes situations happen that cause us to worry. That’s why we’ve identified what you need to know about dental emergencies.
What should I do when my child has a toothache?
Toothaches can happen, and that doesn’t necessarily mean that something horrible has happened. On the other hand, a toothache can be a sign of further complications. It could be a symptom of dental abscess, mouth ulcers, gum infection, dental eruption, or even tooth trauma. This usually isn’t an emergency, but you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
What do I do if a permanent tooth is knocked out?
Usually if a tooth is prematurely knocked out, it happens because of a fall or hit to the head. The first thing that you should do is check for head trauma. If your child is seriously harmed, they should go straight to the emergency room. If it was just their tooth that was hurt, you should find the tooth and rinse it with milk (water won’t preserve the tooth). If your child is old enough not to swallow the tooth, you should reinsert it into the socket and hold it there. If you can’t hold it in place, you can put the tooth in milk while you rush to the dentist. When you get there, they will examine the damage and see if they can reimplant the tooth.
Should I take my child to the emergency room for a dental emergency?
As we mentioned, if they have head trauma from knocking out their permanent tooth, then it may be necessary. That being said, many ER’s are poorly equipped to handle dental emergencies. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but most times you should make an emergency visit to the dentist rather than the emergency room.
When these things happen, it’s important to stay calm so that your children stay calm as well. If you have a dental emergency, make sure to call your pediatric dentist in Fair Lawn.
