Children are curious, adventurous, and active by nature. Sometimes these playful adventures can lead to dental emergencies in younger children. We know that these accidents can spark fear and anxiety in parents, so it’s important to know how to manage a dental emergency situation. Our team at Crystal Dental Center wants you to be prepared in case your child experiences damage to their teeth, gums, lips, or tongue from an accident. Here are some tips from your favorite pediatric dentist in Los Angeles, Dr. Moradzadeh, about how to handle dental emergencies.
Dislodged Permanent Tooth
First, check to make sure your child does not have a more serious injury, especially pertaining to your child’s head and neck area. Call 911 immediately if you think the injury is serious. If you are able to retrieve the tooth, hold it by the crown and rinse it carefully with warm water. Try to avoid touching the root area of the tooth. Do not remove any tissue attached to the tooth. Place the tooth in a glass of milk or use a tooth preservation product that’s approved by the ADA (American Dental Association). Give your child over-the-counter pain medication and then get to your dentist in Los Angeles. The quicker you can visit your child’s dentist, the greater the chance the tooth can be saved.
Loose Tooth
If your child has a loose tooth due to trauma, try to keep the tooth in place by applying gentle pressure to the area. Stop the bleeding with paper towels or a gauze pad, and apply a cold compress to the affected area. Call your child’s pediatric dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Chipped/Broken Tooth
For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to clean the area. Be sure to rinse gently and have your child drain the water without spitting. If there is bleeding, try to pack the area with gauze. Apply a cold compress to your kid’s face or mouth to keep any swelling down. See your child’s dentist as soon as possible.
Toothache
For toothaches, rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to clean the affected site. Then, gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. If the pain persists for more than 12 hours, contact your child’s dentist.
Dental emergencies can be terrifying experiences for both children and parents. As a parent, remember to remain calm in stressful situations and to contact your dentist immediately if your child experiences any of the symptoms listed above. For further information or to schedule an appointment with the team at Crystal Dental, please call 213.748.8448 or visit www.CrsystalDentalCenters.com to learn more.
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