Children are active and growing. In their formative years, there will likely be situations where they develop a toothache or injure their teeth. Most parents know the importance of regular dental visits and ensure to prevent cavities in their children. Dental emergencies still arise. Visiting your pediatric dentist immediately can get your child the timely help they need to save the day.
Here are the eight signs that you need to visit your pediatric dentist as soon as possible:
- Your child has bleeding gums
Brushing using a hard-bristled toothbrush or flossing can cause the gums to bleed, which is normal and not a dental emergency. If the bleeding is persistent, then it may be a sign to schedule a dental appointment immediately and treat the bleeding site. Excessive bleeding indicates a tooth infection and is a cause for concern. Gum disease could also be another reason why your child may notice some blood in the sink. Watch your child brush regularly to check their gums for discomfort, redness, or swelling.
- Your child knocked off a tooth
There are many reasons why children knock off their teeth. If it’s primary (baby) teeth, then it’s natural and will soon be replaced by adult teeth. If it’s the adult tooth that your child has knocked off, then it calls for dental emergency treatment. In this case, put the tooth in a cup of milk and visit your nearest pediatric dentist based on whoever is available fastest. If it is done quickly, the permanent tooth can be put back in (reimplanted). Apart from these, teeth can get knocked out after an injury to the mouth or a fall. Try to find the tooth and clean it with water right away and hurry your child to the nearest dentist. Try not to touch the root of the tooth in both cases and carry them when you visit the dentist.
- Your child has a chipped or fractured tooth
Chipped-off teeth in children are common. Even if your child feels no pain or the chipped-off portion is tiny, it’s not something that should be ignored as it could have lasting consequences on your child’s oral health. Visit a dentist to confirm its progress and severity. Occasionally, kids trip and fall and fracture a tooth, and such breakage can deepen and get closer to the root of the tooth if not treated. Gently clean the area by rinsing their mouth with warm water as a first aid and get to your pediatric dentist soon. Regardless of the reason, a chipped or fractured tooth requires immediate dental intervention.
- Your child has a swollen jaw
If your child is experiencing pain in the mouth, it doesn’t always have to be related to teeth – it could be in the jaw. The pain may not be the result of a serious problem and still could be very uncomfortable for your child.. If your child is experiencing difficulty talking, chewing, or opening their mouth, visit your pediatric dentist immediately. Abscessed tooth and jaw dislocation from a fall could also cause the jaw to swell. Hence, it’s important to take action the moment you notice jaw swelling.
- Your child is experiencing toothache
If your child complains of toothache or pain on biting, it’s time to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. Sometimes, when kids experience a sharp sensation while eating hot, cold or sweet food this means that the tooth nerve is involved. Even the pain while chewing should not be ignored. In the majority of cases, toothache even if once is caused by tooth decay. Visit your pediatric dentist immediately to solve the problem immediately.
- Your child has loose teeth
Primary loose teeth will eventually fall out and is not a cause of concern. If a loose tooth is accompanied by severe pain, then it is time to call your pediatric dentist for an appointment right away. Meeting with your pediatric dentist instantly will reduce the damage and prevent further discomfort by administering the necessary treatment. Having a routine dental check-up once every six months and maintaining good oral hygiene can reduce the risks of loose teeth.
- Your child has developed a dental abscess
A dental abscess occurs when an infection causes a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums. The bacterial infection can cause the gum tissue to swell by spreading into the surrounding area. If your child has a dental abscess, then they may experience symptoms such as pain in their ear, jaw or neck, red swollen gums, or a fever which needs to be addressed almost immediately. Visit your pediatric dentist immediately to prevent the infection from spreading. For children or teenagers, an abscessed tooth is generally a result of an injury while playing a contact sport.
- Your child has a mouth injury
Children and teenagers can injure their teeth during play, sports, or from a fall. The primary tooth or a permanent tooth may get cracked, chipped, or detached. If your child experiences bleeding, apply pressure on the wound with a clean cloth or bandage, with clean hands. To reduce the swelling, offer your child cold water and visit your pediatric dentist for further follow-up and care. If persistent pain, swelling in the jaw, or a fever occurs after an injury, visit your dentist immediately. Get a mouthguard if your child plays contact sports to prevent injury to the mouth.
The teeth are developing in children, and these dental emergencies are common. The combination of good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits can go a long way in preventing these issues from occurring in the first place.If problems occur, it is important to care for the teeth and mouth before you visit an emergency dentist, to prevent complications. You must know what goes on in the mouth of your child. And if you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s time for an emergency dental visit.
myPediaclinic for emergency dental care
Our team of experienced award-winning pediatric dentists at myPediaclinic in Dubai Healthcare City understands that active children and teens sometimes injure their teeth. We are always available to assist with emergency dental care and provide state-of-the-art treatment to young patients in a comfortable and caring atmosphere with efficient treatment.