Want to know how to handle dental emergencies in children and find an expert emergency dentist in Canberra? Discover some practical tips.
As a parent, seeing their child in pain is a heart-wrenching experience and dental emergencies are more stressful. Whether it’s a severe toothache, a chipped tooth from a playground accident, or a tooth knocked out during sport, knowing how to manage without delay can make all the difference.
This guide will help you understand how to handle dental emergencies in kids and why having access to a trusted emergency dentist Canberra is important.
Dental emergencies in children
Dental emergencies in children are more common than adults as they are physically active and don’t realize the importance of proper dental care. They are often involved in sports and activities that can lead to falls, or accidents.
A knocked-out tooth, for instance, can turn out into serious dental emergency, requiring immediate medical attention. Similarly, kids often encounter issues like swelling, infection, or bleeding in the mouth.
How to handle dental emergencies in children?
What should you do when a dental emergency strikes in your child? The first step remaining calm and giving emotional support to the child. Panic can worsen the situation further, preventing you from acting quickly.
The next step should be assessing the injury or the dental emergency and acting based on that. For example, if you find that the permanent tooth of your child is knocked out, rinse gently and, if possible, place the tooth back in the socket. If you are not able to reinsert, store the tooth in milk or saline solution until you reach an emergency dentist.
For severe toothaches, you can make the child to rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the cheek. This can help the child reduce discomfort. If you find swelling or visible infection, get professional dental help immediately to prevent the infection from spreading quickly.
Next step should be finding an expert dentist. How to find a reliable dentist for kids in Canberra? Children often require a different dental care than adults, especially during a stressful emergency situation. A paediatric dentist will know how to handle children and communicate with them in a calm, age-appropriate manner. They also know how to make the experience gentle and positive, without creating anxiety in them.
Many dental clinics in Canberra offer emergency appointments specifically for children. It’s advisable to choose a professional dentist ahead of time. Some dental clinics also offer after-hours services or weekend availability, making it more convenient.
Emergency dental care is not just about handling the issue; it’s also about guiding the patient through follow-up care. Depending on the injury sustained, your child may need further treatments like assessing nerve damage, adjusting bite alignment, or even cosmetic repairs. These follow-ups will ensure the injury doesn’t impact the long-term dental development of the child.
While dental emergencies are not avoidable every time, there are steps you can take to minimize the risks. Always encourage your child to wear a mouthguard during sports activities, and schedule regular dental to assess the overall dental health. These checkups will help your dentist identify issues like early decay.
To put in a nutshell, a dental emergency involving your child need not be overwhelming. Combine readiness to handle the emergency along with routine dental care from a skilled dentist.
