Quick Action is Key
As parents, we always want to keep our children safe. But accidents happen, even to the littlest members of our families. Dental injuries that result in knocked out (avulsed), displaced (lateral luxation) and fractured teeth, can be scary for children and parents. Knowing what to do can make a significant difference in your child's dental health outcomes and overall well-being. The Anchor Dental team’s best advice is to stay calm and take prompt action.
Here's What To Do
1. Contact us immediately.
Call Anchor Dental (902-453-0060) as soon as possible. Our experienced team is ready to assist you in emergencies, and we'll provide guidance through next steps, which might include bringing your child in for an emergency appointment to maximize the chances of saving the tooth and minimize complications.
2. Locate the tooth.
If a tooth has been knocked out, try to find it. Handle it carefully by the crown (top part), and avoid contact with the root.
3. Rinse gently.
If you have saline contact lens solution on hand, use that to gently rinse a tooth that has been knocked out. Do not scrub it or remove any tissue fragments. Keep the tooth moist in milk or saline solution, or simply tuck it inside your cheek to bring with your child to their emergency appointment.
4. Reposition displaced teeth.
For a tooth is displaced but still attached, gently push it back into place – immediately if possible – and apply gentle pressure to keep it there.
5. Control bleeding.
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to control any bleeding. Do not try to mop away the bleeding to see the site that was traumatized, just apply steady pressure.
6. Manage the pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers appropriate for your child's age and weight can help manage pain and discomfort.
When you contact Anchor Dental for help with your child's dental injury, we will :
• guide you on what to do before you reach the clinic to maximize the chances of saving the tooth and minimizing complications;
• prioritize your child's case, providing the necessary dental treatment to address the injury and ensure their comfort and safety; and
• schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your child's progress, ensuring the best possible outcome for their dental health.
Preventing Dental Trauma
While accidents can happen, there are some preventive measures you can take to reduce the risk of dental in children and teenagers:
• Ensure the use of appropriate protective gear for sports and physical activities.
• Childproof your home to minimize the risk of falls and accidents.
• Encourage good dental hygiene to maintain strong teeth and gums.
Anchor Dental is here to support you and your child during these challenging moments, and provide the high level of care needed to ensure your child's dental health is on the right track.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us. Just scroll down for our contact info.