January 24, 2022

Taking Care of Your Child’s Broken Tooth

Taking Care of a Chipped Tooth and Other Dental Emergencies in Your Child

Toddlers are prone to bouncing against walls, which can result in a chipped tooth or other dental problems. Some children develop the habit of vigorously grinding their teeth, which can lead to cavities due to worn enamel. Dental emergencies can occur from chewing hard candies to participating in athletic activities, therefore it’s a good idea to be prepared in case one occurs.

Broken or chipped teeth

It’s critical to notify your pediatric dentist as soon as possible if your child chips a tooth, whether it’s a baby or an adult tooth. Your child’s dentist can help you identify the severity of the chipped tooth, which will assist you and your dentist pick the best treatment option for your child, whether it’s dental bonding or surgery.

Abscess in the teeth

In the early stages, an abscess in the mouth normally starts as a cavity and breaks out of the gum like a pimple, often without causing pain or facial swelling. A tooth abscess should be treated right away since it might spread to your child’s gums and jaw, causing excruciating agony.

Tooth decay that leads to a bacterial infection is the most prevalent cause of a dental abscess. A dental abscess can occur on any tooth, but molars are the most prevalent in youngsters because they are more difficult to brush and can develop damage without causing symptoms.

Being proactive with dental health is the key to preventing your child from contracting a bacterial infection in their mouth. Make sure your child brushes and flosses his or her teeth on a regular basis. Limiting sugary snacks, especially before bedtime, is also a smart idea.

Lips or gums that have been cut

Sporting activities, climbing, recess, and other activities might cause children to get hit in the mouth. Whether it’s a bleeding lip or a cut in the gums, the mouth has a plentiful supply of blood, making the injury appear more serious than it is. If your child gets a wound in their mouth, apply pressure for several minutes with a clean cloth to halt the bleeding and remove any dirt. Using cold water, rinse your mouth.

If the bleeding does not stop after 5-10 minutes of direct pressure or the amount of blood is considerable, contact your doctor or go to the nearest urgent care center. If you’re not sure whether your child needs to see a doctor, you may always call and describe the problem to a doctor, who will be able to advise you on what to do next.

Injury to the jaw

When a child’s jaw receives a direct, strong impact, such as from a fall, a car accident, contact sports, or a violent fight, jaw injuries can occur. A jaw fracture is the most dangerous type of injury. If your child has had a significant impact to their jaw, you should take them to the emergency hospital, where the doctor can evaluate the fracture and its extremity using X-rays and assess the jaw line to see if any additional treatment, such as wires, elastic bands, or surgery, is required. You should also notify your dentist.

If you’re looking for a dental home for your little ones, give us a call to schedule an appointment.