Children’s Dental Emergencies Port Macquarie
What Parents Should Know About Common Pediatric Emergencies
Dental accidents can happen to children anytime, anywhere.
Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing your child’s permanent tooth.
For all children’s dental emergencies, it is important to take your child to the dentist as soon as possible.
Is it a Dental Emergency?
If you are not sure what a dental emergency is, the following questions may help:
- Is the child bleeding from or in the mouth?
- Is the child in severe pain?
- Are there any knocked-out teeth?
- Is there any swelling in the mouth?
- Is there any inflammation on the gums?
If your answer is YES to any of these questions, your child might be in a dental emergency, and he/she needs to see your Port Macquarie dentist immediately.
Read on to learn more about the most common children’s dental emergencies and how to deal with them at home.
Most Common Children’s Dental Emergencies
Broken or Fractured Teeth
It’s fairly common for children to suffer from broken or fractured teeth from sports or other leisure activities.
If this occurs, gather as many pieces of your child’s tooth as possible. Use dental wax to cover the broken edges of a tooth to help reduce the risk of cutting your gums, cheeks and tongue.
Knocked-Out Teeth
A child with knocked-out teeth should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible.
For a permanent tooth, gently place the tooth back into its socket after rinsing it with lukewarm saltwater.
Do not place a knocked-out tooth inside a child’s mouth, as he/she may swallow the tooth.
For further instructions, call your Port Macquarie dentist.
Severe Toothache Pain
If your child is experiencing a toothache, call your Port Macquarie dentist for emergency dental care.
Tooth Sensitivity
Toddlers and young children may experience pain in their baby teeth, and older children may experience sensitivity from an injury or cavity.
Children’s sensitive teeth should be seen by a dentist immediately.
Tooth Decay
During childhood, cavities can be treated by your Port Macquarie dentist.
If your child is experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, bring him/her to the dentist to be examined for cavities.
Dental Abscess
An abscessed tooth is a painful infection that forms inside the tooth root.
If there’s an abscess in your child’s tooth, he/she may suffer from swollen gums, fever, or a bad taste in his/her mouth.
Call your Port Macquarie dentist immediately if you suspect a dental abscess.
Lost and Loosened Fillings
Older children who have had dental fillings placed may experience dislodged or even missing fillings from time to time.
If your child has a lost or loosened tooth filling, call us right away to schedule an appointment.
Orthodontic Pain and Injuries
Adolescents who have metal braces to straighten their teeth may experience occasional discomfort.
If this occurs, your Port Macquarie dentist can help stabilise your child’s braces and alleviate his/her pain.
Worn Tooth Enamel
If your child is suffering from oral sensitivity, he/she may have tooth enamel that’s worn down by grinding or other causes.
Your Port Macquarie dentist can help strengthen your child’s enamel and relieve any discomfort.
Children’s Dental Emergencies in Port Macquarie
At Port Macquarie Dental Centre, we want your child to have an active, healthy lifestyle. We’re dedicated to treating your child any time there’s a dental emergency.
In case of an emergency, call your children dentist right away.
Same Day Dental Emergency Appointment Available in Port Macquarie
Call us on (02) 6105 9853 or book your appointment online.
We are located at 38 Buller St in Port Macquarie.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child has a toothache. What should I do?
Rinse the affected area with lukewarm saltwater and apply a cold compress on the face in case of swelling. See your Port Macquarie dentist as soon as possible.
What can I do to prevent dental emergencies?
- Child-proof your house to avoid accidents.
- Don’t let your child chew/bite on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods.
- ALWAYS use car seats for younger children and require seatbelts for older children.
- If your child plays contact sports, have him/her wear a mouthguard.
- Brush, floss, and visit us regularly to prevent toothaches.