Emergency Pediatric Dentists in Louisville and Westminster
Our sole responsibility as a parent is to protect our children from dangers. And because of this, it can be tough to see them experience a dental emergency. These things tend to happen, so you need to know what to do when time is of the essence.
To help empower you in a crisis, we’ve put together a list of some common emergencies that might occur and the steps to take in the moments that follow. Read on to deal with a range of kids’ dental emergencies.
BITTEN LIP, CHEEK, OR TONGUE
Whether accidentally biting a numb lip or tongue or sustaining a trauma, chomping down hard on your lip, cheek, or tongue can create pain and swelling.
Clean the bite gently with cold water and use a cold compress to minimize swelling. Apply gentle pressure using a clean piece of gauze on the injury. If pressure alone isn’t enough to control the swelling or bleeding, try placing a caffeinated tea bag, that has been moistened with cold water, on the area. If bleeding persists, contact your kid’s dentist for an emergency visit. Ibuprofen usually controls the pain.
OBJECT CAUGHT BETWEEN TEETH
When something is caught between your child’s teeth, you should first try to remove it gently with floss. Never use any sharp or pointed metal or plastic tool near your child’s sensitive teeth and gums. If the object doesn’t budge with floss, give us a call.
ABSCESS
A dental abscess is an infection that forms inside a tooth’s root that can lead to various health issues. If the abscess hinders their breathing, causes a fever, or causes face swelling, go straight to the emergency room. Otherwise, contact our office for an evaluation and a plan to resolve the infection.
CHIPPED, BROKEN TOOTH
If a tooth has been chipped or broken, rinse your child’s mouth with warm water, and use a cold
compress. Locate and save the broken tooth fragment if it is a permanent tooth. Place the tooth fragment in milk inside a ziploc bag and call us immediately.
KNOCKED OUT TOOTH
- Baby Tooth – a knocked-out baby tooth is not an emergency. Still, a call to your dental office may be required. Bring the tooth to the appointment with you.
- Permanent Tooth – If your child’s adult tooth has been knocked out, find the tooth and gently rinse it with water, not touching the root. If able, try to reinsert the tooth back into the socket. If unable to replace the tooth, keep the tooth in a clean container with milk for transport to the office. This is a pediatric dental emergency. Call us immediately!
LOOSE TOOTH
All loose teeth should be removed to avoid being swallowed or inhaled.
TOOTHACHE
If your child is experiencing a toothache, rinse their mouth with warm water and inspect their teeth. Sometimes, the pain can be a simple piece of food stuck in your child’s tooth or a canker sore. If pain continues, use a cold compress to reduce swelling and administer ibuprofen. Schedule an appointment immediately.
BROKEN OR FRACTURED JAW
If you suspect your child has a broken jaw, head directly to the hospital. Gently use a cold compress to help reduce swelling and keep the jaw from moving.
Usually, a broken jaw results from a blow to the head. It can be life-threatening and require more intensive treatment than your pediatric dentist’s emergency care team can provide.
We’re equipped to be your emergency pediatric dentist.
Emergencies happen, but you can help avoid specific problems by child-proofing the house to prevent injury from falls. Discourage your child from chewing on ice and other hard foods. Always use car seats and seat belts for older children. And for the athletic kids, avoid dental issues, and minimize the risk of concussion, by having them wear a mouthguard.
Finally, for the best oral health and to prevent toothaches, brush, and floss. Don’t miss biannual dental visits to our pediatric dentistry practice.
If you need an emergency pediatric dentist, in Lousiville or Westminster, CO, call immediately. If you need urgent treatment after hours, we are here to assist when your child’s dental health is at risk.
