As a parent, the idea of any kind of dental emergency happening to your child can be alarming. But when accidents do occur, you can help your child stay safe by following a few guidelines and having a reliable pediatric dentist on-call. Here are some steps to take in between the incident and the first available dentist appointment. 

How to Handle 3 Oral Health Emergencies

1. Cracked Tooth

Children may crack a tooth in a variety of ways, whether from eating something hard or falling down during play. Immediately have your child rinse their mouth out with warm water to eliminate any bacteria that could otherwise make its way to the root nerve, then contact a pediatric dentist for emergency services. 

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

In more severe cases, a child may lose their tooth altogether. This often occurs when they’re rough-housing or hit their mouth against a hard surface.

Once you realize their tooth is missing, try to locate it. If it’s an adult tooth, keep it moist in a cup of milk or the child’s saliva—this will help keep the tooth viable so the dentist can reinsert it.

3. Blockage Between Teeth

It’s common for young children to put items in their mouth that don’t belong there, which can sometimes get stuck. If this occurs, gently use a bit of floss to loosen the object from the gums. But if it doesn’t come out, don’t force it. Let a professional take a look.

If your child needs immediate attention from a pediatric dentist, turn to the professionals at Pedodontic Associates. For over 25 years, they have provided children throughout Oahu and Maui with compassionate, attentive care. Visit their website for more information on their practice, and call (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului to schedule an appointment today.