Dental Emergencies

Pediatric Dental Trauma

One of the most frightening experiences a parent can have is the injury of their child. Because of the nature of childhood, dental trauma is common for kids of all ages.

Trauma occurs frequently because of sports, falls, or because of an object placed inside the mouth. Injuries while playing on the playground, at the park, and at birthday parties can take you off guard.

We want you to know we are available to help in the event that your child experiences a dental injury.

Signs of serious injury include:

Bleeding that will not stop with pressure
Loss of consciousness
Nausea or feeling disoriented
Blurred vision or slurred speech
A large cut or gash
An object stuck in the mouth

Sometimes it is tough to know when to call us. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

If there is tooth pain, tenderness, or sensitivity to hot or cold
Pain or clicking in the jaw
If the jaw is locked open or closed
If a tooth is damaged or missing
If wounds occurs in the mouth
If a tooth appears cracked, moved, or compromised
If the tooth turns dark

When in doubt, give us a call and we will help you determine if your child needs to be seen.

Tooth Loss Procedures

If your child loses a tooth due to trauma and you are able to locate the tooth, first determine whether it is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. If it is a permanent tooth, rinse the tooth in water and have your child hold it in place, if they are able. Call us immediately. If the tooth is not damaged, there is a good chance we can re-implant it.

If it is a baby tooth, it’s best to put it under the pillow for the tooth fairy. It is still important to schedule a follow-up exam in our office to make sure no fragments or other damage exists, but we will not try to save the tooth.

Call us if Your Child Experiences Dental Trauma

If you have questions or concerns about an injury your child has had, please call our office as soon as possible. Your little one’s comfort and health are our number one priority.

Sports Guards

Sports guards are custom-made plastic protectors that cover your child’s upper teeth, helping to defend them against flying balls, swinging bats, the ground, and other kids. Because kids teeth change quickly, the fit should be checked regularly.

Dental Pain

A pediatric dentist should always evaluate any persistent tooth pain, as it can indicate a problem that will only increase in severity if left untreated. Learn more about what to do if your child experiences tooth pain below.

Here are the most common causes of tooth pain in children:

Dental Decay.
New Teeth.
Sinus Problems.
Fillings.
Cracks and Chips.
Improper Brushing.
Diet.

The only sure way to know what's causing tooth pain is to see a dentist, who will ask detailed questions about what you're feeling and perform diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, to try and identify the exact source of the pain.

If your child is experiencing severely painful throbbing, fatigue, or fever you should contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.

Even if you successfully relieve the tooth pain, you should see your pediatric dentist as soon as possible—today’s minor tooth pain can become tomorrow’s agonizing abscess.

What NOT To Do If Your Child Has Tooth Pain

Never rub aspirin or another painkiller on your child’s teeth or gums directly. The acid in aspirin can result in burns and end up creating more pain rather than reducing it. Additionally, giving aspirin to young children can even lead to a fatal disease known as Reye's syndrome.

Radiance Dental Studio