Kids Dental Emergencies -

Your Local Pediatric Dentist

 

Even though we try to avoid it, most of us will experience at least one dental emergency in our lifetime, especially children. This could be a knocked out tooth from a sports injury, a broken tooth, or a toothache caused by dental decay. Regardless of the type of emergency, your child has, you can rest assured knowing that your local pediatric dentists, Dr. Krista Hinchey, Dr. Strickland and Dr. Boaen Smith and their dental team are always here to help! We ask that you contact us at Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry as soon as you determine that your child has had a dental emergency so we can work you into our appointment schedule. If the emergency occurs after hours, on the weekend, or during the holidays, please call our emergency line at 843-620-2090. Together, we will ensure your child’s dental emergency is fixed in no time!

 

Common Dental Emergencies in Children

 

As your local pediatric dentist in the Savannah, Statesboro, Pooler, and Richmond Hill area, we understand that dental emergencies may happen. Our dental team wants to equip you with the resources to treat any minor dental issue at home with your child, and if it progresses, we will be there to administer professional treatment.

 

• Toothache: Have your child rinse their mouth out with warm water and try flossing around the area to remove any food particles that may be stuck between their teeth. We recommend taking acetaminophen to temporarily relieve the discomfort they feel. Please confirm the correct dosage for your child’s age, height, and weight. To control any facial swelling they may have, place a cold compress on the area. If the pain persists for more than one day, please contact us.
  
  
• Cut or Bitten Lip, Tongue or Cheek: You can apply a cold pack to any bruised area. To control bleeding, apply firm, gentle pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding won’t stop with pressure, or if it continues longer than 15 minutes, head to the nearest emergency room.
  
  
• Broken Tooth: Try to recover any of the broken tooth fragments of your child’s tooth/teeth. Rinse the area with warm water, then apply a cold compress to their face over the area that was injured. Then call your dentist right away for an emergency appointment.
  
  
• Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: Recover the tooth by holding it by the top (crown) and not the root. You should rinse the tooth off but don’t clean or handle it more than necessary. Try to place the tooth back into your child’s socket, and hold it in place using a piece of gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, put it in a small container with milk.. Time is of the essence when a tooth is knocked out, so contact us immediately to see us.
  
  
• Possible Broken Jaw: Tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief to stabilize the jaw and then immediately seek treatment at the nearest emergency room.
  
  
• Bleeding After a Primary Tooth Comes Out: Place a folded piece of gauze tightly over the bleeding area and bite down for 15 minutes. If the bleeding persists, call us for further instructions.
  
  
• Cold Sores & Canker Sores: Over-the-counter canker sore medications can provide your child with temporary relief. If the sore doesn’t go away after several days, contact our office.

 

Tips for Avoiding Dental Emergencies

 

Dental emergencies are quite avoidable, even in children. At Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, we recommend steering clear of the following habits to ensure healthy, intact teeth, and to constantly remind your young ones of healthy-teeth habits!

 

• Never use your teeth to open items or to rip/cut things. Use scissors instead.
  
  
• Avoid chewing on hard candy, popcorn kernels, and ice to avoid damaging your teeth.
  
  
• When playing sports, be sure to wear a protective mouth guard to help keep your mouth, teeth, and gums safe.
  
  
• Brush your teeth after eating to prevent the buildup of cavity-causing bacteria that can cause toothaches.

 

Contact Your Pediatric Dentist For Any Dental Emergency!

 

If your child does experience a dental emergency, please do not hesitate to contact our dental team at Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry. You can call our office during normal business hours at  912-298-5437 or 912-402-5347 or if the emergency occurs after business hours, on the weekend, or on a holiday, please call our emergency line at 843-620-2090. Dr. Krista Hinchey and her experienced dental team will  help you with your your child’s emergency and ensure they receive the best care possible!