While dental injuries and emergencies can be unsettling for children and parents alike, they are quite common occurrences. Approximately one-third of children experience some form of dental trauma, making it essential to be prepared to handle such situations.

There are two primary periods of increased risk for dental trauma: toddlerhood (18-40 months) when children begin exploring their environment, and the preadolescent/adolescent period when sports-related injuries become prevalent.

Outlined below are some of the most common childhood dental emergencies along with guidance on how to manage them effectively.

Toothache

Toothaches are not uncommon in children and should not be ignored. They can result from various causes such as impacted food, tooth fractures, decay, or wisdom teeth eruption. If your child experiences persistent tooth pain, contact the pediatric dentist for guidance.

How to help:

• Rinse the area with warm water.

• Check for impacted food and remove it gently.

• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

• Seek advice from the dentist.

Dental Avulsion (Knocked-Out Tooth)

If a tooth has been completely knocked out, it's crucial to act swiftly. While primary teeth are generally not reimplanted, permanent teeth should be reimplanted if possible within one hour of the incident. Handle the tooth carefully and seek immediate dental assistance.

How to help:

• Retrieve the tooth without touching the roots.

• Rinse it gently with water, avoiding scrubbing.

• Reinsert the tooth into its socket or store it in milk or saliva.

• Visit the dentist or the Emergency Room promptly.

Dental Intrusion (Tooth Pushed into Jawbone)

When a tooth is pushed into the jawbone due to trauma, it's essential to contact the dentist immediately. Depending on the severity, the dentist may wait for natural descent or perform root canal therapy.

How to help:

• Rinse the mouth with cold water.

• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.

• Provide pain relief and seek dental assistance promptly.

Tooth Displacement (Luxation, Extrusion, Lateral Displacement)

Tooth displacement can occur in various ways following trauma. While primary tooth extrusions often heal without treatment, permanent teeth displacement requires dental attention to prevent infection and save the tooth.

How to help:

• Apply a cold compress.

• Offer pain relief and contact the dentist immediately.

Crown Fracture

Crown fractures range from minor cracks to pulp exposure, with severe cases requiring immediate treatment. Any color change in the tooth indicates an emergency, and prompt dental evaluation is necessary.

How to help:

• Rinse the mouth with warm water.

• Apply a cold compress and offer pain relief.

• Visit the dentist or the Emergency Room depending on severity.

Root Fracture

Root fractures are often invisible and require dental X-rays for diagnosis. Treatment options vary based on the fracture's location and severity.

How to help:

• Apply a cold compress and offer pain relief.

• Contact the pediatric dentist promptly.

Dental Concussion

If the tooth has experienced trauma but is still in place, it may be painful for a time, but typically returns to normal after a few weeks. Occasionally the trauma can kill the nerve inside the tooth and it will need root canal treatment.

Injured Cheek, Lip, or Tongue

Apply direct pressure to control bleeding and reduce swelling. Seek medical attention if bleeding is severe or uncontrollable.

Fractured Jaw

In case of a suspected fractured jaw, proceed to the Emergency Room immediately and immobilize the jaw if possible.

Head Injury

Head injuries require immediate medical attention to rule out serious complications such as concussion or internal bleeding.

Being prepared to handle dental emergencies can mitigate their impact and ensure prompt treatment when necessary. If in doubt, always seek guidance from your pediatric dentist or medical professional.