What Parents Should Know About Emergency Children Dentistry
If there is one thing almost every parent dreads is having to face a pediatric dental emergency. This can be a very confusing and scary moment for both the parent and the child; however, as a parent, you know your child looks up to you for direction and guidance.
This means you cannot afford to panic at such a time; you need to remain focused enough to get your child the medical assistance they need from our emergency dentist near you. So how do you achieve this? First, you need to understand what emergency children’s dentistry is about and what kind of services are offered under this type of dentistry.
- Emergency Children Dentistry: What It Is And Why It’s Important
Emergency children or pediatric dentistry is a dental service that addresses pediatric dental emergencies. These services are provided by certified pediatric dentists like our emergency dentist in Oxnard, CA, and are designed to deal with dental emergencies while ensuring that your child’s gums and teeth stay healthy and strong even after the ordeal.
Pediatric dentists best handle pediatric dental emergencies, so when you are involved in one, do not think of rushing your child to the emergency room; instead, think of taking them to an emergency pediatric dentist. This is because they are trained and equipped to handle pediatric dental emergencies.
- Steps Parents Can Take At Home
Knowing what to do once a pediatric dental emergency happens is quite essential. It can make a huge difference in such a scenario and even make the dental emergency slightly more manageable.
Here are some of the common pediatric dental emergencies that you can anticipate encountering and the steps you should take at home while preparing to go in and see our emergency dentist in Oxnard, CA:
- Knocked-out Teeth
This can happen easier than you think; with all the games and sports they play daily, it should not come as a shock. If your child has lost a milk tooth, do not attempt to reinsert it because this could inflict some damage on the permanent tooth yet to erupt from the gums. You should instead stop the bleeding and make your way to the dentist.
If they have knocked out a permanent tooth, ensure you pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the root section of the tooth. Gently rinse the tooth off using plain water. Then place the tooth in a cup of milk to ensure it stays moist as you rush to the dentist for medical attention.
Keep in mind that this is a time-sensitive dental emergency, and getting medical assistance in the shortest time possible could save your child’s tooth.
- Dealing With Cuts and Lacerations
Cuts and lacerations around and within the mouth that are bleeding should be dealt with promptly to prevent excessive blood loss. In this case, help your child rinse their mouth or the cut using warm water and then stop the bleeding using a clean piece of gauze. When the bleeding does not stop or if the cut is deep and requires medical attention, rush them in for our emergency dentistry in Oxnard.
- Toothache
A toothache can be considered a pediatric dental emergency based on its duration and intensity. At times, toothaches may be due to scenarios such as food particles getting stuck between the gums. In this case, you should rinse the affected area with warm water and help your child gently floss out the food debris.
If the toothache is linked to a more complex dental issue, you should contact your emergency pediatric dentist for medical assistance.
- Fractured, Chipped, or Broken Teeth
In this case, pick up any pieces you can locate of the affected tooth, help your child rinse out their mouth; you can opt to apply a cold compress, particularly if the damage was due to trauma, and make your way to the dentist for medical attention.
- Dental Abscess
This life-threatening dental issue develops when an infection occurs and a pus pocket forms in the tooth’s root. Severe toothache, fever, tooth sensitivity, facial inflammation, inflamed lymph nodes usually indicate it.
If you notice these symptoms, promptly seek medical assistance.
- Where Do I find Emergency Pediatric Dentists?
If you are looking for an emergency pediatric dentist in Oxnard, CA, do not hesitate to contact us at Dentistry by Sea Bridge. We are equipped, trained, and ready to help your child get through their dental emergency.