At Tooth + Tusk Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are committed to being there when your child experiences a dental emergency.
Dental emergencies don’t discriminate. They can occur even when a child has the strongest, healthiest teeth. Fortunately, although they may take you by surprise, a dental emergency does not have to cause fear or panic. If your child suffers from a sudden dental mishap, don’t wait to call our clinic for an appointment. We offer same-day emergency dental appointments for children of all ages!
What is a Pediatric Dental Emergency?
There are many things that can happen during our day to cause a dental emergency. Please give our office a call if your child experiences any of the following:
Lost or Knocked-Out Teeth
If your child’s baby tooth has fallen out on its own, it is typically not an emergency. Rinse the socket out with warm salt water to kill bacteria, and monitor your child’s pain. In most cases, it is ‘no big deal’.
One of the most common dental emergencies that we see in our office is from having a tooth knocked out at a sporting event. When this happened, it is important to find the tooth immediately, rinse off any excess dirt or debris, and put it in milk (if possible). If you call us right away, there is a good chance we can save the tooth!
Chipped or Broken Teeth
If your child’s tooth becomes chipped or broken, rinse the injured tooth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce the swelling. We encourage you to find the pieces of the tooth if possible. Damage like this is usually caused by sudden blunt force to the mouth, either by a fall or a rogue football or by chewing foods such as popcorn kernels or hard candies. These kinds of dental emergencies require an immediate appointment.
To avoid this kind of dental emergency, we recommend that your child wear a mouthguard during any physical activity to protect their teeth. Staying away from hard candies will not only help prevent tooth injury but will prevent cavities as well.
Toothaches
Not all toothaches warrant a visit to the dentist. If your child has been complaining about a toothache, the first thing to do is to make sure there is nothing lodged in between their teeth and gums that is causing sensitivity. Many times, snacks like popcorn or chips can get stuck between the teeth and cause irritation.
If your child still complains about a toothache, please give our office a call. To relieve the pain, you can use over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, and apply a cold compress to the area.
Lip or Tongue Bites
As your child grows and adjusts to adult teeth coming in, they may get a little clumsy. Accidental lip and tongue bites may not seem like an emergency, but if your child breaks the skin and draws blood, we encourage you to call our office. Open mouth wounds can become infected quickly. To help kill bacteria, rinse your child’s mouth out with warm saltwater. A cold compress can help with the pain.
Broken Jaw
If you think your child broke their jaw, for any reason, please call our office immediately and bring them directly to our clinic. If the break is severe, we may also refer you to the Emergency Room.
Prevent Your Child from Having a Dental Emergency
Not every emergency can be prevented, but there are some things you can do to protect your child’s teeth.
- Mouthguards. Have your child wear one during any physical activity.
- Use Scissors. Many kids try to open bags with their teeth, this can cause tooth damage. Instead, teach them to ask an adult to open packages or find scissors if they are old enough.
- Objects in Mouth. Teach your child not to run with objects in their mouth.
- Gates. If you have small children, block off stairs with gates to avoid falls.
- See Your Pediatric Dentist. Bring your child in for a visit every six months for a general exam, cleaning, and set of x-rays to prevent issues that may become pediatric dental emergencies later on.
Emergency Pediatric Dental Care in Beaverton, OR
Don’t let your child suffer from tooth pain! We can help make your child comfortable and get them feeling back to normal in no time! For more information on pediatric dentistry or dental emergencies or to request an appointment for your child, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (503) 614-1177