There are certain parts of our children’s lives we simply can’t control no matter how careful we are, and one of these areas relates to dental emergencies. Kids are active and occasionally reckless, and there are times where the teeth bear the brunt of this load.

At Southridge Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help. We can help prepare you as a parent for some of the most common dental issues that may face your child at some point in their lives, plus how to go about managing these situations. Here are some basics.

Fractured Tooth

A fractured tooth, or a case where a tooth partially breaks or fragments into pieces, is a relatively common issue for kids who are at play. You hope they’re careful around the head as often as possible, but it’s simply unavoidable that something might strike the tooth area and cause a fracture.

If this happens, do your best to gather whatever fragments of the tooth you can, then store these in a clean container with cool water. From here, immediately schedule an appointment with our dentist to prevent infection or other possible complications. In addition, if your child plays sports, ensure they wear a mouthguard to prevent tooth fractures.

Permanent Tooth Knocked Out

If your child is already at the age where they have permanent teeth, it’s possible for these to be knocked out as well. Once again, be sure to find the tooth if possible – if it’s undamaged and able to be cleaned properly, you can try to reinsert it into the child’s socket until you have time to make it to the dentist.

If the tooth cannot be reinserted, place it in a cup containing the saliva of the child – but not water. Use milk if needed. Schedule an appointment with the dentist immediately.

Persistent Toothache

One good tactic to help with toothache symptoms is rinsing the mouth with warm water. If the toothache will not go away after more than 48 hours, though, see your dentist right away. Know that toothaches are often a result of poor overall dental hygiene, and your child’s dentist will likely recommend some changes here.

For more on common child tooth issues, or to learn about kids dental X-ray or cleaning services, speak to the pros at Southridge Pediatric Dentistry today.