Children’s Dental Emergencies in Olympia, WA
Accidents happen when we least expect them. In the event of a dental emergency, how do you know when to contact Harbor Kids Dental and when do you contact the emergency room? As your trusted children’s dental team in Olympia, we want to give you the knowledge necessary to know how to quickly respond in the event of a dental emergency.
Athletic Mouth Guards
Any child, teen, or adult who plays sports should wear a mouth guard to protect the teeth and gums, and braces from injury. You can purchase a boil-and-bite mouth guard at any pharmacy or sporting goods store. If you prefer, we can fabricate a custom-made mouthguard that fits comfortably and provides optimal protection against impacts.
Common Children’s Dental Emergencies and First Aid
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth is dislodged from the gums, time is of the essence! Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown. Try not to touch the tooth’s root and nerve. If the tooth is covered in debris or dirt, carefully rinse it off with milk. If the tooth is in one piece, reinsert it into the empty socket. Alternatively, submerge the tooth in a container of saliva or milk, then call and proceed to our office. In some cases, a knocked-out tooth can permanently reattach.
DID YOU KNOW?
Milk can help preserve a tooth that is knocked out because of the proteins, sugar, and antibacterial properties it has. This can help keep your tooth alive for a short period while you travel to our office.
Toothache
Toothaches are no fun! If your child complains of a toothache, first rinse the mouth and swish water around before spitting, then floss and rinse again. If debris is lodged between the teeth, it could cause toothache. The pain should quickly subside once the debris is removed. If pain continues, consider the level of pain. If the child can eat, play, and go to school, call us to schedule an appointment. If the child cannot sleep, eat, or function, call us and come in for an emergency appointment. An exam will reveal the cause of your child’s toothache, and we’ll act quickly to relieve the pain.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
When a tooth is broken or chipped, your child may or may not experience pain. If the mouth is bleeding, apply a baggie of ice, wrapped in a towel, on the cheek or lips over the painful area. Instruct your child to rinse with water and swish it around before spitting. Call our office, explain the situation and your child’s pain level, and we’ll instruct you on how to proceed.
Debris or Object Stuck Between Teeth
A common cause of toothaches is food or other debris stuck between teeth. Floss thoroughly and rinse the mouth. Swish water around the mouth and spit. Do not use a toothpick or other sharp object to dislodge debris. Floss should work. Wait a few moments to see if the pain goes away. If the toothache persists, call our office for instructions on how to proceed.
Soft Tissue Damage
Soft oral tissues encompass the inner skin and gums of the mouth, including the lips. Cuts on the head tend to bleed profusely. To manage this, locate the cut and press clean gauze against it firmly. Additionally, place a bag of ice wrapped in a towel over the affected area to help stop the bleeding and minimize swelling. If the bleeding persists or the injury appears severe, seek immediate medical assistance by calling 911 or visiting the nearest emergency room.
Help for Dental Emergencies in Olympia
We’re here for you when a dental emergency occurs. Put our phone number into your phone now, since accidents happen at the most unexpected times. If your child has a severe toothache, a chipped/cracked tooth, or a tooth that has been knocked out, follow the first aid instructions on this page and give us a call!
Contact us today to schedule an exam, checkup, cleaning, or orthodontic consultation. We look forward to seeing you soon!
