You may know that bringing your child to the dentist twice a year is important, but you may be less sure about when to see an emergency pediatric dentist. Some dental complaints may be able to wait to be treated, but certain symptoms and signs indicate that emergency treatment is necessary.
There are certain instances in which urgent dental care should be sought. If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should not wait for treatment.
A tooth can break from a variety of activities, especially sports. If this occurs, you should gather the pieces of the tooth to bring along to the emergency pediatric dentist appointment. To protect the rest of the mouth, cover the edges of the remaining tooth with wax.
A tooth may have a crack but not be completely broken. A crack may not seem like a major deal, but it allows sugar and pieces of food to accumulate, which can quickly lead to tooth decay. You should especially seek emergency treatment if the crack is vertical or diagonal, as this can affect the tooth's root, which can be very painful.
A minor toothache that comes and goes can probably wait for a regular appointment. However, if your child complains of severe tooth pain, you should seek emergency dental treatment. This is especially true if the child is complaining of accompanying ear pain or pressure.
If a tooth is completely knocked out, it is important to get to a pediatric dentist as quickly as possible. With an older child, you can clean the tooth with warm water and then place it back inside the socket on the way to the appointment.
A filling may become loose or even come out entirely. If this occurs, you should see an emergency pediatric dentist get it replaced.
If your child wears braces, there is commonly some pain and discomfort, especially after the wires are recently tightened. However, emergency treatment should be sought if the wires break or if there is unusual pain.
A dental abscess is a sign of an infection inside the root of the tooth. Signs include swollen, red, or pussy gums, sharp pain, fever, and bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Emergency care is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.
Numerous dental issues should not be ignored. If your child experiences any of these signs, you should see an emergency pediatric dentist as soon as possible. If your child has uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth; severe swelling and pain of the face; or an abrupt and painful injury to the jaw, teeth, or face, you should visit an emergency room or call 911 right away.
You should have dental issues treated as soon as possible, and some conditions warrant seeing an emergency pediatric dentist. If your child needs to be treated, give our office a call right away.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Cape Girardeau, MO.
Pediatric dentists focus primarily on treating toddlers and children. Of course, younger patients have specific needs that adult patients do not have, which is why taking your child to see a pediatric dentist can be incredibly beneficial. They may also provide a more welcoming environment for children.The following is a detailed review of when parents…
Pediatric dentists treat children who still have their baby teeth. Part of ensuring children can prevent oral health concerns at a young age includes teaching patients how to help their children brush and floss daily. This review discusses how parents can care for their child’s baby teeth between visits with their pediatric dentist.Four key tips…
Pediatric dentistry offers a wide range of procedures designed to reduce your child’s risk of dental problems. From general cleanings to fluoride treatments, there are many ways to keep your child’s teeth healthy. This can help to reduce the risk of cavities later on. Read on to learn more about these treatments.At a pediatric dentistry…
Pediatric dentists specialize in oral health care for toddlers, children and adolescent patients. When the patient is a toddler or a young child, a pediatric dentist typically only requires a quick examination of the existing teeth and a simple hand-held toothbrush cleaning. However, as children get older, their dental care becomes more important, which is…
A special needs dentist treats patients with orofacial disorders and physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, emotional, and sensory disabilities. Patients with special needs may encounter difficulties with dental care that are easily missed. The patient may, for instance, find it hard to lay flat in the dental chair. They may need more emotional support during routine…
Pediatric dentists focus primarily on treating toddlers and children. Of course, younger patients have specific needs that adult patients do not have, which is why taking your child to see a pediatric dentist can be incredibly beneficial. They may also provide a more welcoming environment for children.The following is a detailed review of when parents…