How To Approach Emergency Dental Care For Kids

Active children like to run and play, but that also means they may fall and hurt themselves at times, too. Mouth injuries can be a common result of these mishaps, so having some basic knowledge of emergency dental care for kids can help you prevent tooth loss and other problems.

How to Handle a Dental Emergency

In many ways, a dental emergency is similar to caring for any other injury. In general, according to the North Dakota Department of Health, you should take the following action in the event of trauma to the mouth or teeth:

• Check for bleeding
• Stop the bleeding by applying pressure
• Clean the wound
• Assess the severity
• Take the injured child to the doctor or dentist as soon as possible

If an adult or permanent tooth has been knocked out, pick it up (if you can find it!), but be careful not to touch the root. You should gently place the tooth back in your child's mouth in order to maintain moisture and increase the chances that the dentist can successfully put the tooth back in place. To keep it in place, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests biting down gently on gauze or even a wet teabag. If you can't keep the tooth in the mouth, place it in a cup filled with salt water or milk to keep the root moist. Even if the tooth looks damaged or broken, bring it along and let the dentist decide if it can be repaired.

With baby teeth, the dentist will decide if the tooth should be replanted or not. According to a report on the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the decision is based on your child's age, how developed his teeth are overall, and the condition of the tooth itself, as well as how it was transported to the office.

For minor injuries or irritation to the mouth, Colgate® Peroxyl® Mouth Sore Rinse can provide relief and keep your child's mouth clean and fresh. Ask your dentist about when your kids can use this professional-strength rinse.

Preparing a Dental First Aid Kit

A dental first aid kit is a great way to be prepared for emergency dental care for kids. It should contain many of the same items found in a standard first aid kit, along with other items to help deal with dental injuries. According to the NIH, items that should be a part of this kit include:

• Gauze
• A small cup
• Mouthwash
• A cold compress
• A tooth storage device and fluid

Taking the Kids for an Emergency Visit

Any time your child experiences facial trauma, it's a good idea to consult with a dentist to be sure teeth haven't been damaged or loosened. Prompt attention from a medical professional can mean the difference between keeping and losing a damaged, dislodged or loosened tooth. If a tooth has been knocked out, it's vital to see your dentist right away to prevent infections and control bleeding.

Quick, decisive action on your part can help ensure your child can recover without permanent oral damage. Even if a dentist visit isn't necessary, keeping a dental first aid kit and knowing how to use it is as important as a scrape on the knee.