Common Signs of a Dental Emergency

If your child is experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms then it is very likely it is a dental emergency and you should see your dentist without any delay.

• Chipped or cracked tooth due to an accident
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Your child is experiencing severe toothache
• Swelling, in and around the mouth

Toothache

If your child is experiencing toothache, you can try the following steps to ease the pain before you see a dentist.

• Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water with a pinch of salt, this gives temporary relief. Ensure that the water is not too hot.
• Use dental floss to clean the teeth and remove any food that may be stuck in between the teeth.
• Don't use Aspirin on your child's tooth or the gums. This can burn the gum tissue and cause further discomfort.
• If the pain continues to persist then you should see your dentist at the earliest.

Chipped or Cracked Tooth

If your child has an accident and chips a tooth, you need to ask them to gargle with lukewarm water with a pinch of salt. Visually inspect to see if there are any cuts that are bleeding. And finally, apply a cold compress on the face to minimise any swelling.

If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, find the tooth and keep it with you when you visit your dentist. There is a good chance your dentist can reimplant the tooth using natural looking tooth restoration materials. It is important to keep the tooth moist to preserve it properly. Placing the tooth in a cup of milk helps preserve it until your dentist's visit.