As a parent or caregiver, you always want to make sure that your child is healthy and safe. When it comes to dental health, emergencies can arise unexpectedly, and it’s important to know when to seek professional help.

To assist you in making an informed decision, we have compiled a list of common dental emergencies that require immediate attention from a pediatric dentist. We have included the signs and symptoms to help you identify these emergencies, as well as the potential repercussions that can occur if left untreated.

Common dental emergencies kids experience

Severe toothache

A severe toothache is sharp, throbbing pain throughout the mouth and face caused by dental decay, infection, trauma, or a foreign object. Seek emergency dental care if the pain is persistent, unbearable, accompanied by fever, swelling, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Knocked out baby teeth

A knocked-out baby tooth is a dental emergency caused by trauma or injury. It causes bleeding, pain, swelling, difficulty eating or drinking, displacement of permanent teeth, infection, or damage to underlying permanent teeth.

Knocked out permanent teeth

A knocked-out permanent tooth causes bleeding, pain, swelling, and difficulty biting or chewing. It also causes potential damage to the surrounding teeth, nerves, and jawbone. Seek immediate dental care within 30 minutes of injury to increase the chances of successful re-implantation.

Prematurely loose baby teeth

Prematurely loose baby teeth may result from injury, infection, or other underlying conditions. It causes pain, bleeding, swelling, or difficulty eating or drinking.

Loose baby teeth can also impact the proper growth and development of permanent teeth and cause damage to the underlying teeth and jawbone.

Cracked or chipped teeth

Cracked or chipped teeth caused by biting hard objects, grinding, or trauma may show symptoms such as pain, sensitivity, or jagged edges.

Left untreated, they can lead to further damage, decay, or infection.

Any other signs of dental distress with no obvious cause

Some dental emergencies may not have an apparent cause but can still be severe. These include sudden swelling, bleeding, or pus discharge from the gums, unusual spots or bumps on the tongue, or unexplained bad breath.

Injury to cheek-lip or tongue

Injury to the cheek, lip, or tongue can cause bleeding, swelling, or pain. It can also lead to infection, scarring, or nerve damage, causing long-term complications.

Abscess

An abscess is characterized as a pocket of pus that occurs at the tooth’s root or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and fever.

If left untreated, an abscess can spread to other parts of the body and cause life-threatening complications.

How is a dental emergency assessed and addressed?

A dental emergency is assessed by evaluating the severity of the injury, diagnosing the issue, and providing immediate treatment to alleviate pain, prevent infection, and preserve oral health.

The dental professional also assesses the child’s tooth development, the potential impact on surrounding teeth and jawbone, and any long-term implications of the injury.

The child’s safety, comfort, and well-being are prioritized throughout the entire process, using child-friendly techniques, tools, and sedation options to ensure a positive experience.

What action steps to take in the event of a dental emergency?

It is best to have the contact information of pediatric dentists who offer emergency dental treatment in Guelph. It’s best to consult with them in case of an emergency. Additionally, here are some actions you could take to manage the situation.

Apply first aid methods

For common dental emergencies like a toothache, a cracked or chipped tooth, or a bitten tongue or lip, apply first aid methods such as rinsing with warm salt water, applying a cold compress to the affected area, or using over-the-counter pain relievers.

However, these are only temporary measures. Seek professional dental care to address the issue and prevent further complications fully.

Contact your emergency children’s dentist

Contact your emergency children’s dentist immediately for severe dental emergencies like tooth extraction, dental restoration, or severe pain or bleeding.

Seek immediate medical attention

If the child experiences head, neck, or facial trauma, go to the nearest emergency center immediately to avoid any life-threatening consequences.

If your child experiences a dental injury, seek professional help immediately. In Guelph, many pediatric dentists specialize in treating children’s dental emergencies.

Consider the qualifications, as well as the experience of the dentist and the location of their practice. Be ready with a plan in place for emergencies before they happen. These steps help ensure that your child receives the best care in the event of a dental emergency.