When we think of the word medical emergency, our minds automatically imagine a painful physical injury — a broken leg or twisted ankle, perhaps. But most parents know what to do in case of an emergency. Your first reaction will likely be to drive over to the nearest emergency room to have a licensed doctor examine that fracture.
But do you know what to do in case of a dental emergency? Are you aware of what situations would be considered dental emergencies? And how can you prevent these situations from happening to yourself or your children? Continue reading to learn about what you need to know about dental emergencies and how to prevent them as a parent.
If your child is experiencing some light aching, the source of your problem may be something as simple as a cavity. And while cavities can be painful, you’re better off scheduling an appointment with your child dentist to address the issue. However, if they experience any of the next few dental emergencies, get to a clinic right away.
An infection may present itself in many different ways. For instance, gingivitis or cold sores are two key signs. If this is the case, hold off on rushing into your dentist’s office. Making an appointment is completely fine. On the other hand, if you experience or notice any of these alternative signs, call your dentist right away. They could be signs of a more severe infection.
You don’t want the oral infection to worsen and spread, as the consequences of not getting checked immediately can be severe. The decayed tooth can even lead to septic shock!
Aside from infection, a tooth fracture can also be classified as a dental emergency. Your child is at a higher risk of a dental fracture if they play sports — such as basketball, football, or hockey — on a frequent basis. A fracture can also happen after a severe fall. If you notice your child has chipped a tooth (or multiple teeth), stay calm. Call your dentist right away. Due to the severeness fo your emergency, they will see you right away. Help your child rinse their mouth out with warm water and apply firm pressure to the site to stop the bleeding.
Now that you are aware of what exactly dental emergencies are, here are a few tips for preventing these serious injuries.
If your child has just had dental surgery, make sure to follow the advice of their dentist or orthodontist to the letter. Disregarding outpatient care instructions can lead to infection. Make sure they take their antibiotics and brush carefully.
Tell your child to avoid chewing certain foods such as popcorn kernels, ice, and hard candies. While these food items may not always lead to dental emergencies, they can be particularly hard on their teeth and make it more likely for problems to occur.
You’ll want your child to have their teeth cleaned at least twice a year to get rid of build-up that could lead to gingivitis, cavities, and other issues. Annual checkups with your dentist are also recommended since they can help catch problems early.
If they’re not brushing and flossing twice a day, your children may be at a higher risk for developing an oral infection. This is just one simple way they can do their part to better their overall health. Make sure to model good habits for your children and help them understand how oral health impacts the entire body.
If you know what classifies a dental emergency, you’ll always be prepared. Keep these signs in mind and have your pediatric dentist on speed dial. Through awareness and proper prevention, these dental emergencies will be the least of your worries.
