Tips for Handling a Dental Emergency

 

 

It’s that time - you’re enjoying your family's summer vacation when suddenly a problem strikes! Your child slipped and hurt their tooth - now what do you do? While we hope you don’t have to experience any dental emergencies while away, we did want to provide some tips on how to handle some tricky situations:

What to do if your child has a toothache:

A toothache may not scream emergency but, it does hurt your little one which in turn hurts you! First, try to find the source of the pain - swelling, redness, or any discolorations. Rinse the area with a warm salt-water solution.

What to do if your child cuts their cheek, tongue, or lip:

Ice the injured area to help control any swelling. Apply pressure with a cloth if there is any bleeding. If the bleeding persists, contact us or visit the emergency room.

What to do if your child chips a tooth:

To reduce the chance for infection - contact us immediately. Rinse with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you find any tooth fragments, rinse in cool water and place in a cup with milk, saliva, or water.

What to do if your child knocks out a tooth:

With baby teeth, treatment is not necessary. For a permanent tooth, time is a crucial factor! If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If this is not possible, place the tooth in milk, saliva, or water and take it to the dentist right away.  

What to do if you experience a dental emergency while abroad:

In case of an emergency away from home, contact us or use the Find A Dentist Tool by the American Dental Association (ADA). This tool will help you locate an ADA dentist who can help you wherever you are.

No matter what dental emergency you may experience, remember Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric is here for you and your child. For aid with the above or general questions and concerns please feel free to contact us at any of our 3 locations or visit us online to schedule an appointment!

Emergency Dental Care For Your Child

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

With summer in full swing your kids are likely more active than ever, running from camp, to a friends house, to a sport event, or whatever vacation you have planned. But as we know, the increase in physical activity can lead to an increased risk of injury. 

Parents should be prepared for anything, including dental emergencies such as:

• Chipped or broken tooth
• Knocked-out tooth (and partially dislodged tooth)
• Lost filling
• Broken or loose braces and wires
• Bleeding gums
• Severe tooth ache

While some dental problems may be taken care of at home, others require immediate, professional attention. It’s important to use your best judgment when deciding whether or not to take your child in for an emergency visit. For example: if a baby tooth is lightly knocked out and no pain is felt - it may not be a dire situation as the permanent tooth will grow in and develop normally. Should a permanent tooth fall out - see us IMMEDIATELY, time is a critical factor in saving the tooth!

If you have any questions on how to handle emergency situations, visit our website » 

For any questions, concerns, or emergencies - we’re here for you and your child. Please feel free to contact us at any of our 3 locations. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. 

Don't forget to take advantage of our #SelfieOfSummer Contest! Enter your selfie for a chance to win a $200 AMEX Gift Card! Details here »

Dental Emergencies While Traveling

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

You finally have the whole family off from work and school and it's vacation time; a road trip to a family reunion, camping in the great outdoors, or maybe some cruise ship adventures. Regardless, the last thing your child wants to deal with - or what you want to wake up with yourself - is some kind of dental calamity. 

So before your next trip try these before and on-the-spot tips to remedy the situation until you can seek medical help:

Prior to departure

• Get a routine check-up and have your teeth cleaned. If there are major dental problems, like a tooth pulling, it's best to have them done a month-3 weeks prior to the vacation
• Bring a "Dental Emergency Kit" - you can buy one (most are under $30) or create your own consisting of:
• Mouth guards - In case you plan any sporting activities, better safe than sorry!
• Pain Relievers - Both topical and ingested
• Orthodontic Wax (for those with braces - you know how important this is)
• Cotton & Gauze
• Floss
• Our contact info (phone and email)

On-The-Spot Tips

• Toothache: Rinse mouth with warm water and apply an icepack to the cheek if swelling. It may be helpful to apply a topical pain reliever. If the pain persists - contact us
• Broken or Knocked Out Teeth: Save the pieces or tooth in milk or salt water and get to an emergency care quickly. If there's bleeding, put some gauze over the wound
• Something Caught in Your Teeth: Rinse with warm water and gently floss. If it still feels like something is stuck, avoid probing with a sharp object. Contact us or seek an emergency care for what to do

Don't let a dental problem spoil your vacation! Have you experienced any dental woes while traveling? Let us know how you handled it on our Facebook page!