The piercing cry of a child in dental pain can strike fear into any parent's heart. In those crucial moments when your little one clutches their mouth, blood trickles down their chin, or they sob about a throbbing toothache, every second feels like an eternity.
Dental emergencies with children are more than just physical injuries; they're emotional hurricanes that can leave both parent and child feeling scared, helpless and overwhelmed. Whether it's a knocked-out tooth from a playground accident, a cracked molar from biting down on hard candy or severe pain that wakes them in the middle of the night, these situations demand quick thinking and immediate action.
Knowing What to Do Is the Key
It’s essential to stay calm during a dental emergency; if you’re relaxed and in control, there’s a better chance your child will be, too. Here are some of the most common children’s dental concerns and what you should do:
- Cut or bitten tongue, lip or cheek — For a soft tissue injury, clean the area with water and apply a cold compress to minimise swelling. If it’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure.
- Knocked-out baby tooth — Contact our dental clinic for the next steps, but this isn’t usually considered a dental emergency.
- Knocked-out permanent tooth — Try to locate their tooth, but be careful not to touch the roots. If possible, place the tooth back in its socket. If this doesn’t work, put it in a glass of milk and contact us immediately.
- Toothache—When your child complains about a toothache, start by rinsing their mouth to see if food is stuck between their teeth. Use floss to dislodge anything you find. If the pain persists, call us for an emergency appointment. Place a cold compress on their face to reduce swelling and numb the area.
- Tooth sensitivity — If your child suddenly experiences sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, it’s best to arrange an appointment with our dental team so we can determine the root cause of the issue.
- Lost or loose filling—A lost or loose filling exposes your child’s tooth to bacteria and can be extremely sensitive. We recommend arranging an appointment to replace the filling as soon as possible.
Looking for Emergency Dental Care in Chelsea Heights, VIC?
When the unexpected happens, A Plus Dental is here for you! Call us on (03) 9771 7133 for an emergency dental appointment. We can ease your child’s discomfort and restore their oral health.