What to do When Your Child has a Dental Emergency

you are here: DentalPlans.com > Dental Health Articles > Healthy Living > What to do When Your Child has a Dental Emergency

Dental Care & Health Care Articles

Updated: 2/10/2009 3:00:11 PM

	Print Article		Email Article

(ARA) - February is National Children's Dental Health Month. You encourage your child to brush, floss and drink their milk to keep their teeth strong. But what do you do in the event of a dental emergency like a toothache or if your child's tooth gets knocked out? Emergencies happen when you least expect them so one of the most important things you can do to protect your child's dental health is to learn how to prepare for one.

The experts at 1800Dentist.com share the following tips to help you prepare for a child's dental emergency:

Tip #1 -- Keep your dentist's phone number handy.

If you already have emergency phone numbers posted on your refrigerator, that's a great place to add your child's dentist's phone number. You can also visit 1800Dentist.com or call their emergency line to get help searching for an emergency dentist in your area.

Tip #2 -- In the event of a knocked-out tooth, be prepared to act fast. Chances of successful re-implantation of a knocked-out tooth are higher if you take your child to the dentist within 30 minutes.

Here's what to do before you get to the dentist:
* First of all, find the tooth! Since your child may have their tooth knocked out at school, be sure to share this important tip with teachers and the school nurse.
* Rinse the tooth in water, holding it by its crown. Be sure not to scrub the tooth as this might dislodge tissue fragments that may help with re-implantation.
* If possible, have your child hold the tooth in its socket on your way to the dentist. If not, put the tooth in a cup of milk and bring it to the dentist.

Tip #3 -- Keep a close eye on toothaches.

A toothache is a sign -- usually that your child has a dental infection such as tooth decay, an abscess or even gum disease. If your child has been nursing a toothache for a few days, call your dentist immediately. To help ease some of the pain, have your child rinse his or her mouth to clean it out. Then have them floss or use an interdental cleaner (a soft, cylindrical brush) to get rid of food or other debris that might be caught between their teeth. Children's aspirin can also help dull the pain; but don't rely on painkillers alone -- contact your dentist.

Tip #4 -- Use a cold compress to control swelling.

Some dental emergencies can cause your child's face to swell: a broken tooth, a fractured jaw and even a severe tongue or lip bite. An easy way to control the swelling is to apply a cold compress on the outside of your child's cheek, mouth or jaw.

Tip #5 -- Always use a gentle hand.

Whether your child has something stuck between his or her teeth or a tongue or lip wound, be sure to gently remove objects from the mouth or gently clean a wound.

Remember, a dental emergency requires immediate professional attention from your dentist. Even though you may not think that something qualifies as a dental emergency, it's always best to be safe and contact your dentist. The sooner you get to the dentist, the faster your child can avoid prolonged pain or a worsening condition.

To search for an emergency dentist in your area, visit 1800Dentist.com. Be prepared, visit them online today and keep their emergency dental line handy so you’ll have it when you need it. Copyright ©, ARAnet, Inc.

ARA Content

Additional Articles

Clear Skin without Breaking the Bank
Antioxidants Promote Better Health, and...
Guys -- Get the Body That Will Get You...
The Guys Secret to Catching a Woman's...
Start a Fitness Plan
Fitness Starts by Challenging Your Body
Start by Challenging Your Body
What to do When Your Child has a Dental...
Are You Prepared for Your Child's...
Men -- Lose Fat and Build More Muscle!
A Man's Guide to Weight Loss and Muscle...
Steroid-free Way to a Sculpted Body
Fire Up Some Valentine's Day Romance...
Capture Romance With Pheromones
Is Vitamin D Missing From Your Diet?
Vitamin D: Are You Getting Enough?
Got Vitamin D?
Reverse Aging with Antioxidants
Poor Health and Aging Linked to Diet
Treat Sleep Apnea and Benefit Your Body...
A Natural Way to Increase Energy
Feeling Sluggish? Boost Your Energy...
Fighting Hair Loss? Oral Supplements...
Anti Aging for Your Scalp and Hair
Fight the Effects of Aging on Your Hair...
Why Supplements Don't Work in Fighting...
Why Hair Loss Supplements Don't Work
Hair Loss, Aging and Supplements
Take Control of Your Health Care Costs
Exercise: Cheaper than Medical Care
Sea Plant Supplements Pack 60 Times the...
Sea Plant Dietary FOOD Supplement: The...
Blood Pressure Challenge: 20 Points in...
Smoke Your Last Cigarette Today
Quit Smoking for Good
Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally --...
The Easiest Way to Stick to Your Weight...
Lose Weight in 2009 without the Dreaded...
The Guy's Secret to Weight Loss in...
The Guy's Secret to a New Body in 2009

The materials and articles published on DentalPlans.com are for informational purposes only. Although DentalPlans.com strives to be accurate and complete, the information is provided without liability for errors. DentalPlans.com does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, or other items contained on DentalPlans.com.

DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in these materials and DentalPlans.com makes no commitment to update the information on DentalPlans.com.

DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims all liability for the use or interpretation by others of information on DentalPlans.com. Decisions based on information contained on DentalPlans.com are the sole responsibility of the visitors, and visitors agree to hold DentalPlans.com and its Affiliates harmless against any claims for damages arising from decisions visitors make on such information.

Nothing on DentalPlans.com constitutes medical advice or other forms of advice. DentalPlans.com assumes no responsibility for material created or published by third parties linked to DentalPlans.com with or without DentalPlans.coms knowledge.