After a cold wet spring, summer temperatures have finally arrived in Utah! Parents all over the state rejoice because they can “kick” their kids outside to play on the jungle gym, boot a soccer ball around or organize a pick-up game of basketball. Unfortunately, all that good healthy outdoor fun can in result in mishaps such as a chipped or knocked out tooth. Losing a permanent tooth is serious indeed, but even the loss of a baby tooth can cause problems. Here are some tips for what to do in case of a summer dental emergency.

If a Baby Tooth is Knocked Out:

• Contact a good Utah pediatric dentist such as Stevenson right away: we can help to lessen the pain and prevent infection
• Meanwhile, rinse the mouth with cool water and apply an ice pack to keep the swelling down
• You can look for the tooth and place it in cold water till you get to the dentist, but it’s not as crucial as a permanent tooth

If a Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (never by the roots), rinse, and place it in a baggie with cold water
• Firmly apply a clean damp washcloth to the affected area to stop the bleeding
• If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket then call a Utah pediatric dentist immediately and take your child to the office immediately. If the accident occurs after hours, call the dentist’s emergency line for instructions

If you can find and save the tooth properly, chances are good that the dentist will be able to reinsert it.

If a Tooth is Broken:

Follow the above steps and contact the dentist immediately. Even a chip from a tooth can be replaced if you act fast, so remember that time is of the essence.

Prevention is always the best. If your child is engaged in sports, make sure he or she wears an appropriate mouth guard. If your child is over the age of 8, talk about what she should do if she hurts her mouth; and if you have toddlers at home, make sure your house is well child-proofed. Summer is a great time to be active, but it’s also the time when dental emergencies are likely to arise. Remember: if something happens, stay calm, act fast and contact Stevenson Pediatric right away.

Can a child really get excited about going to the dentist? Oh yes! Age-appropriate and consistent dental care is essential to maintaining excellent oral health throughout childhood; if parents can help their child to see dentistry in a positive light, they will be doing them a service that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Here are some tips that will really help to get your child excited about going to the dentist.

Choose a Great Pediatric Dentist

The first step is to opt for a pediatric dentist over a general family dentist. There really are some key differences between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist; but the one that makes a huge difference in helping your child get excited to go is the atmosphere in the office.  A pediatric dentist’s office is completely kid-centric: after all, treating children is all they do!

From the decorations on the walls to the child-sized furniture to the games to the kid-savvy staff, it’s a fun place to visit. Before her scheduled visit, take your child to see the pediatric dentist’s office so she won’t have a fear of the unknown: once she sees other kids there her age, she’ll be more excited to go when it’s time. For Beehive State parents, Dr. Nathan Stevenson of Stevenson Pediatric is a Utah pediatric dentist who provides excellent treatment in a fun and safe environment. Choosing pediatric dentistry over family dentistry is a great first step to help your child develop a positive attitude toward going to the dentist.

Do Some Play-Acting

Many children are sensitive about having anyone “poke around” in their mouths, and this can make them reticent about going to the dentist no matter how fun the environment may be. Reading children’s books about what happens at dental visits and engaging in a little play-acting beforehand will go a long way toward easing your child’s fears. Open wide and let her “play dentist” by counting your teeth! Then you do the same to her. Let her ask questions and answer them honestly. It is extremely important to maintain a positive attitude toward the dentist even if you happen to have some fears of your own. When it comes to your child, going to the pediatric dentist and having the opportunity of getting her teeth super-clean in a fun atmosphere should always be a reason to get excited!

1. Pediatric dentists know how to work with a child and deal with their fears and behaviors. They are specially Trained to work with your child’s current mood and how to keep them calm in a new and stressful environment
2. All pediatric dentists are dedicated to the oral health of infants and children. They are qualified and highly experienced with caring for your child’s mouth under any circumstances.
3. In addition to four years of dental school, pediatric dentists also have two-year residency training for dentistry with infants, children, and teens. They are also taught how to work on children with special needs.
4. A pediatric dentist provides a kid friendly environment with games, toys, TV’s, and video games. This help the child acclimate to the new surroundings easily and it also helps keep the child occupied during uncomfortable procedures.
5. Preventative health care and habit counseling for children is provided by a pediatric dentist—they will help to make sure that as your child grows their teeth grow properly as well.
6. Pediatric dentists use specially designed equipment and tools in their offices that are created, arranged, and decorated with a child in mind. This makes the unique tools less frightening and easier to explain to a child.
7. A pediatric dentist can provide you and your child with everything that is needed to make a dental visit fun and stress free.