If you’re a parent, you don’t need us to tell you - with kids, accidents happen. Sometimes accidents involve their teeth, so it’s important to act as quickly as possible.
Whether it’s toothache or tooth damage, the most important thing you can do is to stay calm and reassure your child that it’s going to be okay.
Next, call your local dentist. Save their number in your phone now (to call smilogy, just use 02 8005 4434).
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to ease pain and increase chances of saving their tooth.
Assess the Situation
Some accidents involve missing or broken teeth. This can be scary for both you and your child, but it’s a good idea to think practically. If there’s been enough force to damage a tooth, you need to check them over for other injuries.
In the case of a head injury, call your local doctor, your state’s health advice line, or if in doubt, always phone 000.
Do Dental First Aid
While you wait for your child to see a dentist, you can help relieve their pain. Over-the-counter medication will usually do the trick. Be careful to read the label and give them the correct dosage for their age.
You can also use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Don’t use ice! In the case of a mouth that’s bleeding, get them to bite down on some clean material, such as a cloth.
Saving The Tooth
If a tooth has been knocked out, it’s super important to find it (or pieces of it, at least). If it’s nowhere to be seen, there’s a risk your child has swallowed it, which means they’ll need medical help immediately.
Preserve the tooth or pieces in milk or saliva and bring them along to the dentist. When picking it up, don’t touch the sensitive nerve of the tooth if this can be avoided.
Involve The Professionals
Before doing any of the above, you should have already involved your dentist or even a doctor. When you see them, explain exactly what happened and see if your dentist can set up an emergency appointment for that day. Ask for professional advice about how to handle things if you’re feeling nervous.
Visiting smillogy in a dental emergency will help put you and your child at ease. Our Australian dentists will focus on saving your child’s smile, but also keeping them as comfortable as possible.
Call us on 02 8005 4434 in a dental crisis.