A children’s dental emergency requires immediate treatment. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive so you can avoid frightening your child when they’re going through a scary experience like a broken or unexpectedly missing tooth. Read on to discover the top tips for avoiding a true dental emergency for your kids.
If your child plays sports, it’s important to make sure that they’re using the proper equipment. In this case, a mouthguard is essential for keeping your kids’ teeth safe and secure while they’re on the field or court. While youth sports may not seem rough from the bleachers, accidents can happen and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The standard advice for maintaining oral hygiene is to brush your teeth with proper technique and to floss regularly. However, there are plenty of other habits your kids can pick up to make sure their teeth and gums stay healthy and strong. Have your child avoid foods or beverages that are too hard, cold, or hot as they can damage their teeth. Chewing on the wrong things can result in cracked or chipped teeth. For example, many people chew on ice, but ice can chip and even break teeth.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26% of adults in the U.S. have untreated tooth decay. The problem with untreated tooth decay is that it can progress to gum disease and lead to lost teeth. Your child may experience toothaches, swelling, and infections if their tooth decay is left untreated. If you want to avoid dental emergencies related to your child’s dental health, then it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist at least twice a year. The purpose of seeing the dentist regularly is so that they can thoroughly examine your child’s mouth and teeth and catch dental problems before they progress.
In some cases, you might end up faced with a dental emergency despite your best efforts. So, you have to be able to recognize the signs that something is wrong with your child’s teeth before things get even worse. For instance, if your child is feeling pain, you notice that they’re only chewing on one side of their mouth, or your child is avoiding chewing at all, don’t wait to take them to the dentist. Similarly, if your child has a chipped tooth, seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. Other dental emergencies you may come across include a knocked-out tooth, lost filling or crown, and an abscess.
When it comes to preventing dental emergencies for your kids, the sooner you act, the better. If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center right away!
