Dental Emergencies
One of the reasons the top pediatric associations in the U.S. recommend you visit a pediatric dentist is to have a "dental home" in case of dental emergencies. Often parents turn to the emergency room, when in reality their child would be best cared for by a pediatric dentist.
Examples of dental emergencies that can be treated by a dentist include toothaches; bitten or cut lip, tongue or cheek; broken or knocked-out teeth; chipped or fractured permanent teeth. If you think your child has a broken or fractured jaw, you really should take them to the emergency room.
What you can do in case of emergency…
- Toothache-rinse the irritated area with warm salt water. Floss the tooth to ensure there is no food trapped between the teeth. Do not heat the area, but it is okay to use a cold compress.
- Knocked-out tooth-first call our office to determine if it is a primary or permanent tooth. If it is permanent, gently rinse the tooth but don't touch the root area. Try to reinsert it and hold in place with gauze. If not possible, put the tooth in saline solution or saliva and take your bring your child to our office immediately. If we're not open, go to an emergency medical treatment facility.
- Chipped or broken tooth-Rinse the mouth with water and ice the area if swelling. Call our office immediately to get your child in. The quicker we all act, the more likely it is we can save the tooth and prevent infection.
- Bitten tongue, cut lip or cheek-Apply gentle pressure with wet cause to reduce bleeding. Ice can reduce swelling. Call our office to determine seriousness.
- Pain from any of the above-Acetaminophen (aspirin) is effective for any pain. Heat can make symptoms worsen. Ice and cold compacts are preferred because they reduce swelling.
Sports
are the leading cause of dental injuries among youth. You never know when your child's mouth will come in contact with a bat, ball, knee, elbow or hard surface such as the side of a swimming pool. Many of these accidents can be avoided by following the rules. A mouth guard is always a smart option for athletes and can prevent dental emergencies.
Call us immediately if your child has any kind of dental emergency. We're located in Riverton, a convenient location for Salt Lake or Utah Valley residents. Call 801-938-7870.