Submitted by Pediatric Smiles of Bloomington
Kids play. Kids fall. Kids do goofy things. Injuries to the mouth and teeth can be a common result of these mishaps. To prevent permanent damage or additional treatment, it’s important to be knowledgeable on what to do when you encounter a dental emergency. Here is a short summary of steps to take when presented with some common dental problems.
- Knocked-out tooth.
Handle the tooth by the crown, which is the portion of the tooth that is visible in the mouth. If the tooth is a permanent tooth, gently re-insert and hold the tooth in its socket — it’s important not to be forceful. Do not re-insert a baby tooth! If the permanent tooth cannot be re-inserted, place it in a cup of milk and contact your dentist immediately. This will increasethe possibility of salvaging the tooth.
- Chipped or broken tooth. Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth if necessary. If the tooth is badly broken and the nerve endings are exposed, it will be quite painful, so seek dental help right away. If the nerve has not been exposed, the tooth will not be painful. However, you should still contact your dentist as soon as possible to be sure there isn’t further damage that may cause infection. If the chip has caused a sharp or jagged edge, your dentist can evaluate the damage and determine the proper repair procedure.
- Loosened or displaced tooth. Frequently, a dental injury results in a loose or displaced tooth. These injuries are frequently accompanied with bleeding, this can be controlled by biting on a tissue. Consult a dental professional immediately, especially if the tooth is out of position. Within the first 24 hours, these teeth can often be repositioned to facilitate healing.
- Abscess. This can be a very serious condition that may affect your oral and general health. If you notice swelling of the gum that is painful, it is likely due to an infected tooth, and you need to see your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, clean around the sore tooth and rinse the mouth with a mild salt-water solution several times a day until you are provided with further instruction from a professional.
True dental emergencies are cases in which you should contact your dentist immediately, even after office hours. These instances include a permanent tooth that has been knocked out or tooth pain that prevents a child from eating, sleeping, or functioning normally. Most other dental concerns are considered urgencies and can be addressed during office hours. To avoid dental emergencies, have your child wear a mouth guard when participating in contact sports, do not let your child use their teeth to open things, and visit your dentist every six months to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.
Pediatric Smiles of Bloomington is a specialized dental office for children 0 to 18 and special-needs patients. They are located at 1112 Trinity Ln. in Bloomington and may be reached at 309-663-7339. Ask about their “No-Cavity Club” and the rewards kids may earn.