A dental emergency is any oral problem that has to be treated right away. A knocked out tooth, bitten cheek or lips, severe tooth pain and a broken jaw are examples of dental emergencies. Dealing with a child’s dental emergency can be quite frustrating. It can also be scary. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do in order to deal with a dental emergency.
Control the Bleeding
Many dental emergencies result in severe bleeding. One of the best things that you can do in order to control the bleeding is to apply direct pressure. You should apply steady pressure to the area for 15 minutes. Have your child sit forward in order to prevent him or her from swallowing blood.
Control the Swelling
A dental emergency can also cause swelling. Applying ice to the area is one of the things that you can do in order to reduce the swelling. Make sure that you wrap the ice before applying it to the area. Ice should not be applied for more than 20 minutes at a time.
Assess the Emergency
The type of dental emergency that your child has is one of the main factors that determine what you need to do. If your child has a knocked out permanent tooth, then you will need to pick the tooth up by its crown, rinse it off and then try to put it back in the socket. Put the tooth in a container of milk if you cannot put it back. If your child has bitten their lip or cheek, then you will need to rinse their mouth with cold water as well as apply a cold compress. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used to manage pain.
Avoid applying medication directly to the area. A broken jaw is one of the most serious dental emergencies that one can encounter. A broken jaw typically occurs as the result of a blow to the head, which can be life-threatening. A cold compress can be used to control the swelling until your child can get medical care.
See a Dentist
It is important for you to take your child to the dentist after they have experienced a dental emergency. Taking your child to a dentist like Valley Oak Dental Group Inc or a similar business quickly can prevent long-term complications. On the other hand, delaying a trip to the dentist can result in tooth loss and other problems.
A dental emergency can occur unexpectedly, so it is important to know what to do. Controlling the bleeding and swelling will help you keep the problem under control. You should also assess the emergency and see a dentist as soon as possible.