Dental Emergencies With Kids: Handling The Unexpected With 16th Avenue Dental in Calgary, AB
Accidents happen, especially with active and adventurous kids. But when a dental emergency strikes, do you know what to do?
At 16th Avenue DentalThis link leads to Home page in NW Calgary, AB, we understand the importance of swift action in these situations.
Our dentist, Dr. My LeThis link leads to Doctor’s page, reserves time in each day’s schedule for urgent problems, whether you’re a longtime patient or new to our officeThis link leads to Home page.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the common dental emergencies kids may face and provide you with the knowledge to ease their discomfort (and your panic) and protect their smiles.
Recognizing dental emergencies
Before we get into the specifics of handling dental emergencies, let’s explore some common situations that may require immediate attention:
Knocked-out tooth
One of the most alarming situations is when a child knocks out a tooth. Whether from a fall, a sports injury, or any other accident, a knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that needs quick action.
What to do:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part) and avoid touching the root.
- Rinse the tooth gently with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub it.
- Try to place the tooth back into the socket or keep it in a container of milk or saliva.
- Contact 16th Avenue Dental immediately for guidance and an emergency appointment.
Chipped or broken tooth
Kids are often energetic; accidents leading to chipped or broken teeth can happen during play.
It can be distressing when your child comes screaming through the door with a chipped tooth. But all is not lost! With prompt dental care, chipped teeth can be restored and your child’s smile preserved.
What to do:
- Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- If bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
- Contact our dental office for an evaluation to determine the extent of the damage and necessary treatment.
Toothache
Persistent toothaches can be a sign of an underlying dental issue that requires attention. Parents should be concerned about a toothache when:
- Pain persists: If the toothache lasts more than a day or two, it may indicate an underlying issue needing attention.
- Swelling or fever: Swelling around the tooth or face, or the presence of fever, is a sign of infection and requires immediate attention.
- Difficulty eating or sleeping: If the pain interferes with your child’s ability to eat or sleep, it’s a cause for concern.
- Injury or trauma: If the toothache results from an injury or trauma, it’s essential to seek emergency dental care.
What to do:
- Clean the area around the affected tooth with gentle flossing to remove any trapped debris.
- Rinse the mouth with warm water.
- Contact 16th Avenue DentalThis link leads to Contact page to schedule an appointment and assess the cause of the toothache.
In these cases, an emergency visit to the dentist, like 16th Avenue DentalThis link leads to Home page in NW Calgary, AB, is necessary to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the toothache promptly.
Dental emergencies should never be ignored, as early intervention can prevent further complications. Watch this short video on how to handle dental emergencies.
What happens during an emergency visit?
Our teamThis link leads to the Team page is ready and equipped to deal with any dental emergency. When you visit our NW Calgary office, we will begin by taking an initial assessment and X-rays of the area to help determine the right treatment plan and course of action.
Our goal is to set your mind at ease and address the pain your child is experiencing as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Depending on the issue, we may complete treatment if time permits. In most cases, however, we will schedule you back for any additional cosmetic or restorative work that may be needed.
Dental emergencies: what not to do
In the event of a dental emergency, there are certain things you should avoid to prevent further damage or complications:
- Don’t panic: Stay calm to reassure your child and keep them calm as well.
- Don’t use aspirin: Never place aspirin or any other medication directly on the gums or teeth.
- Don’t delay treatment: Dental emergencies require prompt attention. Contact our office immediately for guidance and assistance.
Preventing dental emergencies
While accidents can’t always be avoided, you can take steps to reduce the risk of dental emergencies for your child:
- Ensure your child wears a mouthguardThis link leads to Mouthguards page during sports activities.
- Teach them to avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or pencils.
- Maintain regular dental checkupsThis link leads to Dental Checkups page to detect and address potential issues early.
The more comfortable your child is with visiting the dentist, the easier your emergency visit will be for you and your child.
At 16th Avenue Dental, we see childrenThis link leads to Children Dentistry page as young as one year old, and pride ourselves on providing a fun, friendly, and positive dental experience for children of all ages.
Count on 16th Avenue Dental in dental emergencies
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but being prepared and knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
Recognizing dental emergencies, from knocked-out teeth to persistent toothaches, empowers parents to take immediate action. Knowing what to do, such as rinsing and contacting a dentist like 16th Avenue Dental, can ease discomfort and save those precious smiles.
Equally important is understanding what not to do.
Avoid panic, and never place aspirin on your teeth. Preventing dental emergencies through precautions like mouthguards and regular checkups is a top priority for children’s oral health.
Dental emergencies are much easier to deal with when you and your child have an established relationship with the dentist. This eliminates much of the stress involved in emergency cases.
At 16th Avenue Dental in NW Calgary, ABThis link leads to Home page, we’re here to support you and your child in times of dental need. Don’t hesitate to contact us for immediate assistance and expert care.
Or:
- Call us at: 403-282-9141
- Email us at: info@16thavenuedental.ca
16th Avenue Dental is located in Calgary, AB. We happily welcome patients from Mount Pleasant, Crescent Heights, Hillhurst, Sunnyside, Kensington, West Hillhurst, Capitol Hill, Rosedale, Tuxedo, Briar Hill, Renfrew, Rosemont, and Downtown Calgary.