Accidents are a common and normal part of childhood. Even with precautions, it is impossible to predict when a fall or a sports injury will
require emergency medical care. And while most parents know exactly what to do in case of a medical emergency like a deep cut or a broken bone, many people don't have a plan in place to deal with dental emergencies. With any luck, your regular pediatric dentist will be available on short notice in case of an emergency. But having a plan in place will save time, and possibly a badly broken or loosened tooth in an emergency.
Emergency Pediatric Dental Care in Roanoke
In addition to traumatic dental injuries, young children and adolescents can also be susceptible to soft tissue injuries such as cuts or burns to the gums, tongue, or lining of the cheeks. Persistent tooth pain also requires an emergency visit to the dentist as it is usually a sign of tooth decay or a bacterial infection that may require a root canal to preserve the nerve tissue inside of the tooth. Any signs of swelling, irregular bleeding, or inflammation should be examined by a dentist as quickly as possible.
The pediatric dentists at Roanoke, VA-based Hunting Hills Family Dentistry recommend taking a few precautions in case of a dental emergency:
- If a tooth is completely knocked out, try to keep the tooth moist and clean until you can get to the dentist
- Keep the mouth and area clean by rinsing with clean warm water
- Apply a gentle cold pack or compress to the affected area of the face to reduce swelling
- For deep cuts to the tongue, excessive bleeding, or potentially life-threatening injuries, go to the emergency room as quickly as possible
Although injuries are not always preventable, taking additional safety precautions like using mouth guards while playing sports, avoiding hard foods and candy that can chip or crack the teeth, and refraining from using the teeth to open or cut bottles or other objects can keep the teeth safe.
Pediatric Dentistry in Roanoke
For more information on emergency dental planning and care, or to schedule a regular oral exam and professional dental cleaning, contact Hunting Hills Family Dentistry by calling (540) 769-5020 to schedule an appointment today.