Emergency Dental Care For Kids: What Parents Need to Know

12 March 2024

Dental emergencies are scary, especially if it’s your child that has been injured. Fortunately, the team at Oakville Place Dental is here to help. Contact us immediately for emergency dental care at (905) 842-6030. You can also keep reading for more information on common dental emergencies and what to do if they occur.

Common Dental Emergencies

Every parent knows that children are prone to accidents. With their curiosity, energy, and high activity levels, it sometimes seems like they’re magnets for trouble. As a result, many parents have to deal with a child’s dental emergency. Here are some common emergencies that you may encounter:

1. Toothache

Toothaches are a very common dental issue for children. They can be caused by a variety of factors and, consequently, need professional diagnosis. An achy tooth can point to tooth decay, infection, or injury.

Conversely, some toothaches are caused when pesky food bits get stuck between their teeth. Nonetheless, you should schedule an appointment at your dental office as soon as possible.

What to do if your child has a toothache:

  • Rinse their mouth with warm water.
  • Gently use dental floss to remove any food trapped between their teeth.
  • Do not place aspirin or any other pain relievers directly on the tooth or gums.
  • If the pain persists, contact Oakville Place Dental for emergency dental services.

2. Broken, chipped, or fractured tooth

A broken, chipped, or fractured tooth is often a result of sports or general childhood rowdiness. These always require timely dental care to prevent infection. If the living tissue within the tooth (called the pulp) is exposed, an infection can quickly occur.

Root canals are the only treatment for infected dental pulp. If no infection is present, your child should only require dental bonding or a crown.

What to do if your child cracks a tooth:

  • If there are any broken pieces, collect them.
  • Place any broken pieces in a cup of milk or salt water.
  • Rinse their mouth with warm water if the tooth is cracked or broken.
  • Apply a cold compress to their face to decrease swelling.
  • Contact the emergency dental team at Oakville Place Dental.

3. Knocked-out tooth

A knocked-out tooth needs immediate attention. Emergency dental services can sometimes save the tooth. However, you need to get to your Oakville dental office quickly. Time is of the essence!

What to do if your child knocks out a tooth:

  • Retrieve the knocked-out tooth. Hold it by the crown, not the root.
  • Place a knocked-out baby tooth in a cup of milk.
  • Alternatively, place a knocked-out adult tooth in a cup of milk or salt water.
  • If dirty, rinse in warm water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue.
  • Go to the emergency dentist immediately.

4. Dental abscess

A dental abscess is a severe oral health condition. If you think your child has an abscess, you need to take them to receive emergency dental care immediately. Dental abscesses look like a swollen pimple or boil on your child’s gums. They’re a sign of a serious bacterial infection that can spread to other parts of their mouth.

What to do if your child has a dental abscess:

  • Do not attempt to pop the abscess.
  • Rinse with warm salt water or take over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, not aspirin).
  • Seek emergency dental care immediately.

5. Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums can be a sign of injury, an underlying dental problem, poor oral hygiene, improper brushing, or loss of a baby tooth. Simply brushing too aggressively can irritate gums to the point that they bleed. Gum disease is another common cause. It’s important to see your child’s Toronto dentist for diagnosis.

What to do if your child’s gums are bleeding:

  • Rinse their mouth with warm water.
  • Use clean gauze or a cloth to gently pressure the bleeding area.
  • Contact Oakville Place Dental for emergency care and diagnosis.

If the bleeding started after the loss of a baby tooth, then you should first try to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding worsens or refuses to stop, then it may constitute a dental emergency.

What to do if your child’s mouth is bleeding after losing a baby tooth:

  • Rinse their mouth with warm water.
  • Attempt to stop the bleeding by packing gauze over the affected area.
  • Have your child bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes.
  • Repeat once, if necessary.
  • If the bleeding persists, contact Oakville Place Dental.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, it’s crucial to stay calm. We know that it’s difficult and overwhelming to see your child in pain. However, the best thing you can do for your child is keep a level head. If you stay calm, your child will find it easier to do the same. Provide comfort and assure them that everything will be okay.

1. Assess the situation

After you’ve taken a few deep breaths, it’s time to inspect the injury site and evaluate the damage. You need to determine the severity of the emergency so you can act accordingly.

2. Take immediate action

Once you’ve identified the type of injury, take action. Follow the steps that we just outlined above: collect the pieces, rinse their mouth with water, try to stop the bleeding, and reduce the swelling.

3. Call your child’s emergency dentist

You should contact your dentist at Oakville Place Dental immediately for emergency dental services. Prompt treatment is crucial for preventing infection and other complications.

Contact Oakville Place Dental: Oakville’s Emergency Dental Clinic

If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, Oakville Place Dental is here for you. No matter the injury, we are here to help with high-quality services and a compassionate team.

We treat all kinds of dental emergencies quickly, comfortably, and cost-effectively. Our emergency dental office is equipped with cutting-edge technology that streamlines our emergency responses and restoration processes.

Additionally, we work with your insurance company, billing them directly whenever possible.

For an emergency dental office in Oakville, call Oakville Place Dental at (905) 842-6030 or contact us here.

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