Accidents happen all the time. Knowing how to deal with dental emergencies  can make a difference between saving or losing your child’s permanent teeth. It is important to take your child to the dentist or emergency room as soon as possible for all dental emergencies.

Common dental emergencies and how to deal with them

My child knocked  out her teeth : If your child knocks out her teeth, make sure she doesn’t have any more injuries. Call 911 to get the necessary help. If the knocked out tooth is a permanent teeth, keep it moist by placing it in a container or milk. You can also use a tooth  preservation product  that has the American Dental Association  seal of acceptance . Then take your child to the dentist office right away. A primary or baby tooth do not need to be kept moist but if possible should be taken to the dentist office if found .

My child cracked her  tooth : You need to wash the child’s mouth immediately with water to clean the area. Apply  cold compressions on the child’s face to keep down any swelling. Take the child to the dentist as soon as possible.

My child bit her  tongue or lips : If this happen you have to clean the child’s mouth with warm water to clean the area and apply cold compressions. Go to the emergency or dentist immediately .

My child has toothache : Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water  to clean the area. Floss the child’s teeth to remove any food lodged between the teeth. If pain persists, go to the dentist.

My child has a broken jaw : If you think your child has a broken jaw, apply cold compressions to reduce the swelling. Then go to the emergency room or dentist immediately.

An object  is stuck in my child’s  teeth : If an object is  stuck in your child’s teeth, gently try to remove it with a dental floss. Do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed object. Then go the dentist or emergency room right away.

How can i prevent dental emergencies?

These steps can help you prevent dental emergencies.

• let your child wear a mouth guard  and a helmet when possible during sports or recreational activities
• your child needs to be supervised and not allowed to run around with objects such as tooth brush in her mouth
• make your home childproof to reduce the risk of injuries
• visit the dentist every 6 months to make sure your child’s teeth are strong and healthy