It's true that dental emergencies are fairly uncommon. But it's precisely because they're not an everyday occurrence that some parents end up being particularly unprepared in the wake of an accident. Keep reading for three important things to look out for so that you'll be ready when it comes time for an emergency trip to the dentist.

A Tooth Is Knocked Out or Cracked

It is not unusual for kids who play sports to put themselves in situations where a tooth is more likely to be accidentally knocked out. In fact, even kids who are not especially active may at some point have a particularly bad fall that causes one or more of their teeth to go missing. If your child has a tooth knocked out, do your best to stop any bleeding and rinse the tooth with water. A baby tooth does not need to be kept, but a primary tooth can and should be saved in case the dentist is able to reattach it. Some children may not lose a tooth completely, but have it chipped or cracked instead. If this is the case, it's a good idea to keep the loose part of the tooth so that it can be fastened to the original tooth with adhesive.

A Sudden Toothache

Toothaches are often more gradual than immediate, but if your child does experience a sudden sense of pain that seems to be caused by a toothache, then it is worthwhile to request emergency dental care. While it may be nothing more than a cavity, there is a chance it could also be a serious infection. If the latter turns out to be the case, you will be glad you took action as soon as possible.

A Case of Broken Braces

Braces are a great orthodontic solution for children who have issues with an overbite or with misaligned teeth. Yet there are times when, if even one part suddenly breaks, a child can suddenly find themselves in a significant amount of pain. Since children cannot be given medication in quantities large enough to mask this pain, it is all the more important to rush them to the dentist for emergency care as soon as you can. If broken braces are not treated immediately, a wire or band may continue to irritate surrounding teeth and gums indefinitely, causing further bleeding — and even an infection — in worst-case scenarios.

To learn more, contact a kid's dental clinic in your area such as Yongsok Do, DMD, LLC/ DBA Keiki Dental.

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