What You Should Know About Emergency Dental for Kids 

Having active children is a great way to ensure that they develop their motor abilities as they grow up. However, while they are always on the go, it can also mean they may fall or hurt themselves at times. 

And when a dental emergency strikes, it can be a scary experience for both the kids and parents. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth from playing sports or sudden tooth pain in the middle of the night, knowing how to handle different emergency situations is necessary to get immediate relief. 

What many don’t know is that emergency dental for kids is not only about alleviating the pain but also preventing further damage to their dental health.

Let’s explore what parents should know about booking an emergency dental appointment, the types of emergency dental treatment for kids, and how to handle such situations calmly and efficiently. 

When Do Dental Emergencies for Kids Happen? 

Dental emergencies for kids can happen at any time or day, and as we all know about emergencies, it often requires urgent care. The reasons behind them may also be varied, including saving a tooth, stopping ongoing pain, or treating a potential infection. 

While adults also face dental emergencies, children are more prone to dental accidents and injuries, especially when they have active lifestyles. Here are some common situations where dental emergencies for kids may occur: 

• Knocked-out tooth: Often happens due to sports or rough play. 

• Chipped or broken tooth: Kids may bite down on something hard or take a fall. 

• Severe toothache: Usually caused by cavities or infection. 

• Loose tooth (not due to natural loss): This could result from an injury or infection. 

• Swelling of the gums or face: This can indicate a serious infection that needs immediate attention. 

If your child has experienced any of these emergencies and are located in Brentwood, WA, call our Blue Gum Dental team right away at (+61) 08 9316 2603 to get them checked. 

Common Emergency Dental Treatments for Kids Caught in Accidents 

Whenever you’re faced with a dental emergency, make sure to be composed, stay calm and act quickly. Here are some steps you can follow while waiting to book an emergency dental appointment for your child: 

1. For a knocked-out tooth: Kids might think that a knocked-out tooth could be a right of passage to put it under the pillow and then wait for gifts from the tooth fairy. When this happens, it may bleed and be painful for the child, so when it happens, especially if it’s a permanent tooth, try to place it back into the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk or saliva and seek emergency dental treatment immediately. 
2. For a chipped or broken tooth: Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Keep any broken pieces of the tooth and take them with you to the dentist. Just like with the knocked-out tooth, make sure to store the broken pieces in a container with milk or saliva. 
3. For a severe toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and gently floss to remove any food particles. You can also apply a cold compress on the child’s outer cheek near the aching area to reduce the swelling. Do not attempt to apply aspirin directly to the tooth, as this might burn the child’s gums. 
4. For swelling: Apply a cold compress to the affected area and seek immediate dental care as soon as possible. Swelling could indicate a serious infection that needs treatment. 

Once the tooth is collected and the child is given first-aid treatment, the next thing to do is to go straight to the child’s dentist. 

Why Immediate Care is Crucial 

With an active lifestyle, accidents do have a real chance of happening and, during these instances, immediate care is very important as it allows you to give first aid before an emergency gets worse. Plus, timely emergency dental treatment for kids can make all the difference in relieving their pain and situation. 

Here are more reasons why immediate care is essential: 

• Prevent further damage: A knocked-out or broken tooth can worsen if not treated right away. 

• Reduce pain and discomfort: Kids can experience significant pain during dental emergencies, which can be distressing for both the child and the parents. Immediate care helps to reduce their discomfort. 

• Avoid complications: Untreated dental issues can lead to infections or other health problems. For example, an untreated toothache could signal an infection that might spread to other parts of the body. 

When Should You Book an Emergency Dental Appointment? 

The good news is not every dental issue requires an emergency appointment. However, when you’re faced with these clear-cut signs that indicate you should seek immediate care for your child, it’s best to book an emergency dental appointment right away to avoid complications. 

Be on the lookout for these signs: 

• Severe pain that doesn’t go away 

• Knocked-out or severely damaged teeth 

• Uncontrollable bleeding 

• Swelling in the face or gums 

• Fever accompanying dental pain 

How to Prevent Kids From Getting Dental Emergencies 

We all know that accidents are always present and inevitable, but there are always ways for parents to reduce the likelihood of dental emergencies: 

1. Encourage the use of mouthguards: If your child plays sports, especially contact sports, make sure they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth. 

1. Practice good oral hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help prevent issues like cavities, which could lead to emergencies. 

1. Watch what they eat: Avoid giving your child hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy that could break their teeth. 

Protect Your Child from Emergencies 

No one wants to get involved in any kind of accident, especially their little ones. But when you’re already faced with a dental emergency, it’s best to know how to handle it and when you should book an emergency dental appointment for your child. 

The good thing? There are things you can do to prevent your child from getting any dental emergencies while they are exploring actively.  

For dental emergencies in Brentwood, WA, make sure to take them to Blue Gum Dental. We offer prompt and caring emergency dental treatment for kids to ensure they get the immediate care they need. Book an emergency dental appointment with us today and give your child the relief they deserve.