A fall or other unexpected mishap might result in a dental emergency for a child. Tooth decay and infection are two more potential culprits. When a kid suffers a broken tooth or loses a whole tooth, it may be distressing for them and their parents. The risk of long-term tooth loss or damage may be reduced if you know what to do in the aftermath of a crisis like this and when to seek assistance.
Common Types of Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Infected Baby Tooth
Infected baby teeth are a frequent cause of pediatric dental emergencies. Infection or abscess growth in one or more of your children’s baby teeth might result from improper or infrequent cleaning. Pus pockets form around the tooth, making it painful for your child to eat or speak. Prompt medical attention is essential since the illness might spread to other body parts if left untreated.
Depending on where the infected baby tooth is located, the affected child may experience jaw or cheek swelling. They can be running a low fever, too. Applying cold packs to the sore area regularly might help reduce pain. Abscesses visible to the naked eye will almost likely hurt to touch. They might get contaminated if you handle them. Keep kids from brushing their sore teeth with their fingers.
Dentistry-Related Emergencies
TOOTHACHES
There are a variety of potential origins for tooth pain. Cavities, infections, and bruxism (teeth grinding) are all possible causes of tooth pain. Schedule an appointment at one of our six San Diego clinics if you experience them often. Seeing a San Diego emergency dentist might help you rule out cavities and infections as reasons. We can accommodate walk-ins and same-day appointments when unexpected problems arise.
BITTEN TONGUES OR CHECKS
Use cold water to remove germs after unintentionally biting your tongue, cheek, or lip. Apply a compress to decrease swelling. You may visit our office or the nearest emergency room if your condition warrants it.
FALLEN OUT TEETH
Fear of needing a tooth pulled is understandable. If this happens to you, keep your calm and get help immediately. The difference between losing and retaining a tooth might be as simple as knowing what to do. If you happen to knock out a tooth, this is what you need to do:
To begin, locate the tooth. The next step is to gently rinse the teeth under running water if it seems dirty. Do not scrape the teeth harshly or pull out any bits of tissue. Try to put the tooth back in its socket and keep it there until you can visit a dentist. Bringing your teeth to the dentist in a cup of milk is another option. Getting to the office on time is essential, so take your time.
DENTAL BREACHES
Warm water should be used to rinse a broken tooth’s socket immediately. Applying a cold compress to the face might help minimize swelling. If you need further care, please see us as soon as possible.
The best treatment for oral emergencies is prevention. Dental emergencies may be avoided by wearing a mouth guard during contact sports and other physically demanding activities and avoiding foods harmful to teeth.
During your examination, the professionals at Planned Events Emergency Dentists San Diego will be able to assess the severity of your condition. Sometimes x-rays are needed to see what damage has been done. Once we understand the situation well, we can discuss possible therapies openly.
Emergency Dentists San Diego is dedicated to providing prompt, high-quality treatment no matter how severe your dental emergency may be. A dental emergency is a sufficient source of stress. Our team is here to support you through every step, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond, to ensure you have as little stress as possible.
Recovery
We’ll be here to help you through the complex process of getting back on your feet after a dental emergency. The aftercare instructions you get from Emergency Dentists San Diego will be specific to the dental emergency you had and the treatment you got. To help you feel better, we recommend that you take antibiotics or pain medication. You may need follow-up testing or care.
During your planned sessions, don’t be afraid to bring up any worries about your recovery or how to prevent such circumstances. Please let us know if you need unique sports gear like a mouthguard. We’re here to keep your smile safe.
After a dental emergency, it’s crucial to keep up with your regular oral hygiene routine to protect the long-term health of your smile. We’ll monitor your recovery at your annual checkups to ensure it’s proceeding regularly.
Signs It’s Time To Visit The Dentist
If your tooth pain persists or seems to result from anything more serious, it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist. Many people experiencing dental pain will need to see a doctor. While you wait, take an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen.
Make an appointment with the dentist if you’re suffering from any of the following:
- You should see a doctor if your symptoms have persisted over a few days, including high fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, and chronic pain.
- Bleeding gums that swell when bitten; may be accompanied by pus or a foul-tasting discharge.
What Could Be Causing Your Pain?
At your planned appointment with Emergency Dentists in San Diego, your dentist will do a thorough dental exam to identify the source of your pain. It’s also possible to get an X-ray.
If you have tooth discomfort, see a dentist to find out the root of the problem.
- Cavities caused by decay will be treated by having the affected tooth filled.
- Your dentist will replace the space left by the decay with a material that closely matches the color of your natural teeth. If your present filling is causing you pain, they may suggest replacing it.
- An abscess forms when the pulp within a tooth becomes infected due to a cavity that has not been treated promptly. If you have a spot, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, perform a root canal, or even propose extraction.
- Because bruxism (teeth grinding) may cause discomfort, your dentist may recommend using a mouthguard.
- If plaque builds up and causes gingivitis, periodontal disease may develop. Tartar must be correctly scraped from the teeth to heal the gum infection.
Avoiding Tooth Pain
Having fewer painful cavities is one benefit of maintaining good dental care. Maintain clean and healthy teeth by brushing twice daily for two minutes and using dental floss once daily. Another alternative is to use mouthwash. You should also schedule biannual checkups with your dentist for cleanings and examinations.
Some foods contribute to plaque development, including:
- loaves of candied citrus
- Dehydrated fruit and potato chips
- Soda pops
- Ice
Plaque may be minimized by brushing and flossing immediately after, or skipping, certain meals.
Can Toothache Be Treated Naturally?
Sometimes, only medication may help tooth pain, depending on the cause. If you still have bad breath after brushing, flossing, and rinsing, try gargling with mouthwash, salt water, or hydrogen peroxide. You may also use an ice pack, do oil pulling, or consume raw garlic. However, if the pain continues or worsens, you should see a dentist.
A toothache may cause severe discomfort. Meanwhile, you may attempt self-care measures like cold compresses and saltwater rinses while waiting for a dentist to discover what’s wrong.