It's Saturday afternoon at the playground, and suddenly you hear that dreaded cry followed by ‘Mum, my tooth!’ Your heart sinks as you see your child holding their mouth, and you feel panic set in.
As a parent, knowing how to handle kids' dental emergencies in Reservoir can make the difference between saving a tooth and losing it permanently.
Common Kids' Dental Emergencies
- Knocked-Out Tooth — This is the most urgent dental emergency. For permanent teeth, the best chance of saving the tooth is within 30 minutes. Find the tooth and don't touch the root. Carefully rinse it if it’s dirty and try placing it back in the socket. If that's not possible, place the tooth in a container with milk or your child's saliva, never tap water, and get to your dentist immediately.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth — A damaged tooth may not be an urgent emergency, but sharp edges can cut the tongue or cheek. Gently rinse with warm water and hold onto any tooth fragments and bring them to the dentist. Apply a cold compress to minimise swelling and contact your dentist to assess the damage. a
- Severe Toothache — Persistent tooth pain often indicates infection or deep decay. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water, place a cold compress on the outside of the cheek and give age-appropriate pain medication.
- Object Stuck Between Teeth — Try gentle flossing first. If that doesn't work, don't use sharp objects, contact your dentist instead.
- Bitten Tongue or Lip — Cleanse the area gently, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding and use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Prevention is Your Best Defence
While accidents happen, you can reduce the risk of dental emergencies:
- Consider mouthguards for sports activities
- Keep hard objects away from little mouths
- Maintain regular dental check-ups to catch problems early
Stay Calm, Call Your Dentist
Remember, children take cues from their parents. If you stay calm, you help your child remain calm too, which makes treatment easier for everyone involved.
Do you need guidance on handling children’s dental emergencies in Reservoir? The team at The Dental Place is here to help keep those small smiles healthy and provide prompt care when minutes count.