Tooth and gum health problems can occur at any age. Children, however, are vulnerable to certain dental emergency situations that require prompt attention. Being mindful of these instances can help protect your child from the pain and discomfort and help them find relief more quickly. Here are a few of the most common issues your child may face.

What Dental Emergencies Affect Kids?

1. Cracked Tooth

A fracture occurs when your child’s crown, or the visible part of the tooth, develops a crack. While they aren’t always serious, it’s best to err on the side of caution and have a pediatric dentist assess the severity of the damage. Cracks can lead to sensitivity, and your child may experience numbness in the affected area. Rinsing with warm water in the immediate aftermath can ease some of the discomfort. Then, hold a cold compress to their face. If necessary, an over-the-counter painkiller may be used for relief. 

2. Knocked Out Tooth

Active kids may lose a tooth at some point. The blunt force of a ball or other sports equipment striking a tooth can often be enough to knock it out of its socket. To effectively handle this dental emergency, see if the tooth can be placed back in the socket. If not, have your child store the tooth in their mouth between the cheek and gums. Much younger kids might not be able to do this without the threat of swallowing, so you can conversely drop the tooth in a glass of milk. 

3. Toothache

Toothaches can occur for many reasons. Your child might eat something hard or sticky that causes immediate discomfort, or there may be a piece of food stuck in the affected area. Sometimes, the pain is related to wisdom teeth coming in or a cavity. If you can see the problem is related to trapped food, brushing and flossing may help alleviate the pain. Otherwise, rinsing with warm water and holding a cold compress to the face can bring some slight relief. Then, see the pediatric dentist to determine the root cause of the problem. Left untreated, toothaches can cause swelling and distress, so be mindful of any changes.

If you seek a reliable professional to address a dental emergency, you can trust in the experienced team at Pedodontic Associates in Honolulu, HI. Serving patients throughout Maui and Oahu, they offer a range of services to ensure your little one’s teeth and gums are healthy. Rely on them for everything from basic cleanings to comprehensive dental rehabilitation. Visit the website for more information, or call (808) 487-7933 to schedule an appointment at the Aiea location, (808) 877-0066 for Kahului, or (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu.