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What to Do When a Dental Emergency Happens

We all know that dental issues happen from time to time, but they may be more common than you'd think. Did you know that more than 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth? That's more than a third of the entire population!

Fortunately, there are ways to save your children’s teeth and overall health in a dental emergency. Let's talk about what to do during dental emergencies.

Examples of Dental Emergencies
We all experience dental problems from time to time, which is why we have routine dental visits. However, a serious dental emergency is different and can require immediate intervention. For example, a cracked tooth or severely damaged tooth may only break more if left untreated, even for a short period. After it cracks, it's already incredibly fragile, which means you'll only have a limited time to save the tooth.

However, that's far from the only example of a dental emergency. Severe dental swelling, hemorrhaging, or trauma can warrant an emergency trip to the dentist. Severe tooth pain can even warrant a dental emergency, as you don't want to prolong suffering for your children.

If your child cut something in their mouth or bit their tongue, this can also count as a dental emergency if the bleeding is bad enough. Broken wires or metal on braces can also be quite serious and require immediate attention.

Regardless of what the specific emergency is, you need to act fast. Let's talk about that.

What to Do During a Dental Emergency
Now that we've defined what a dental emergency is, you may believe you're experiencing a dental emergency. If so, here's what to do.

Remain Calm and Assess
First and foremost, stay calm to help your child feel reassured and safe. Assess the situation and determine the severity of the emergency. If your child is in pain, it's essential to address the issue promptly to provide relief.

If there is a lot of blood present, rinse your child’s mouth with water and look in a mirror if possible. Determine where the blood is coming from or what happened in their mouth to cause the issue.

Apply Pressure If Necessary
If your child is experiencing bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to the affected area. This can help stop the bleeding and provide relief. If the bleeding is severe, seek emergency dental services right away.

Contact a Dentist Immediately
If you're unsure about your child's condition, contact your dentist immediately. Explain the situation and follow their instructions carefully. If your child is in severe pain or bleeding, seek emergency dental services right away.

Save a Knocked-Out Tooth
If your child loses a permanent tooth, try to save it by first rinsing it without holding the root, then gently placing it back into the socket or placing it in a glass of milk. Bring it with you to the dentist right away, as they may be able to restore the tooth if it's done within an hour or so.

This happens to over 5 million children and adults every year in the US.

Don't Chew on Anything
Make sure your child avoids eating or chewing anything until the emergency is solved. Hard or sticky foods and gum can cause further damage and discomfort.

Get the Help You Need Today
In summary, dental emergencies can happen to children too, and it's important to stay calm, assess the situation, and act promptly to address any issues. By following these tips, parents can help their children stay healthy and comfortable during a dental emergency.

Get the Help You Need Today
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