Trauma management

Paediatric Dental Emergencies

Dental trauma is commonly found in toddlers who are just learning to walk. Another susceptible group is young teenagers who become engaged in different kinds of sporting activities. Timely management of any tooth-related trauma is the key to success! If your child sustains any accident to his/her teeth, please contact our office as soon as you can. Our Specialists at Specialist Kids Dentist have all received special training to handle paediatric dental emergencies. From the moment you call us, we’ll work hard to calm your child down and help them get the urgent treatment that they need.

If your child loses consciousness or you feel they have another serious injury, you should immediately call 000 and proceed to the nearest emergency room right away.

Emergency Care

What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?

In most instances, baby teeth are not recommended to be replanted if knocked out. Contact our office as soon as possible.

What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?

If the tooth is soiled, gently rinse it in cool water. Do not scrub it or clean it with soap taking care to only touch the crown of the tooth (the part you can see when it’s in place). If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk. If milk is not available, place the tooth in a bowl with your child’s saliva. Do not place in water as it can damage cells on the root of the tooth necessary for it to reattach. Call our office immediately and/or head to the hospital! The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?

Contact our office immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.

What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?

Go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital. A blow to the head can be life threatening.

What if my child has a toothache?

If your child complains of a toothache, rinse his or her mouth with warm water and inspect the teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them. If pain continues, use a cold compress to ease the pain. Do not apply heat or any kind of aspirin or topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, as this can cause damage to the gums. Children’s pain relievers may be taken orally. Schedule an appointment immediately.

Bitten Lip or Tongue

If your child has a bitten lip or tongue severe enough to cause bleeding, clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress (a cold, wet towel or washcloth pressed firmly against the area) to reduce or avoid swelling. Give us a call to help determine how serious the bite is.

Can dental injuries be prevented?

Absolutely! Child-proof your house to avoid falls. Don’t let your child chew on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods. Always use car seats for young children and seatbelts for older children. If your child plays contact sports, have him or her wear a mouthguard. Ask us about creating a custom-fitted mouthguard for your child. Finally, prevent toothaches with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to our office.