Most Common Dental Emergencies in Kids

Emergency Dental Care in Helotes & San Antonio, TX

No matter how hard you work to protect your kids, accidents can happen. And when your child experiences a dental emergency, knowing what to do in advance can make all of the difference. The Helotes Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics team has put together this list of the three most common dental emergencies in kids to help you care for your child. We offer emergency dental care as part of our suite of dental services.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Whether the result of sports, playing around the house, or an unfortunate accident, it’s not uncommon for a child to knock out a tooth. If this happens, your first step is to try to control any bleeding. Next, find and rinse the tooth with water. If it’s a baby tooth, we won’t be able to save it. However, if it’s an adult tooth, there’s a good chance we may be able to save the tooth. If your child is old enough, place the tooth either back in the socket it came from or in the cheek of their mouth to prevent the tooth from drying out. If your child is too young, then place the tooth in a glass of cold milk. Then, contact us immediately for emergency treatment!

Chipped or Cracked Teeth

Chipped or cracked teeth are one of the most common dental emergencies in kids. Chips and cracks may occur from contact sports, falling, or other forms of trauma to the mouth. If your child chips or cracks their tooth, first have them gently rinse their mouth. Try to find the tooth fragment, if possible. Contact us for emergency dental care. If your child experiences any swelling, a cold compress to the area can provide them with some relief.

Toothache

Toothaches are another very common dental emergency in kids. Sometimes toothaches go away on their own, but other times they’re a sign of infection or other problems. If your child is experiencing a toothache, gargling with warm salt water or using a cold compress can help relieve some of the pain. Depending on your child’s age, an over-the-counter pain reliever can also keep them comfortable. Our team can help you determine whether their toothache needs immediate attention, or if it is something you can treat at home. To ask us any questions or to schedule your next appointment, call us today!

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