What is a Pediatric Dental Emergency?

You never know when a dental emergency might strike. Adults can recognize tooth pain, but what about your child? When your kid chips a tooth, gets a bad cavity or has another pediatric dental emergency, you want to get them treated right away so they don’t suffer for long. And because your children’s teeth are still developing, your kids have special needs to consider.

Even if you take your kids to the dentist for check-ups every six months, like clockwork, cavities or accidents are still bound to happen. Parents need to know how to react when they do. Urgent action can be the difference between a brilliant smile and lifelong dental complications. Read on so you will be prepared, no matter what happens.

What Does a Pediatric Dental Emergency Mean?

First, let’s start with the basics. What is a pediatric dental emergency? It’s when your child suffers from an accident or other dental problem that requires urgent care. Common pediatric dental emergencies can include:

• Lost wires or broken brackets on braces
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Painful cavities
• Loose or knocked-out teeth
• Swollen or bleeding gums

There are several other factors to consider. For example, is the injured tooth a baby tooth or a permanent tooth? If it’s a baby tooth, it will still need treatment, but you may not need to worry as much. However, you definitely want to make sure your child doesn’t lose any permanent teeth.

Here’s another consideration. If your child is suffering from a fever, in addition to other symptoms, is it safe for them to use over-the-counter pain killers or anti-inflammatories? Be sure to consult a doctor or dentist first.

Know When to Go to a Hospital or Emergency Room

Okay, so now you understand what a pediatric dental emergency is. But how can you know when you should go to the dentist or when you need to take your child to the hospital instead? Consider the following:

• Has your child inhaled part of their braces?
• Are there any items blocking airflow to the lungs?
• Is the jaw or another bone broken?
• Does your child have a fever?
• Is there excessive bleeding that doesn’t go away after 10 minutes?

If your child is experiencing these or any other life-threatening complications, call 911 right away or take your kid straight to the hospital. If the problem is urgent but not life-threatening, call Lovett Dental to gain access to our emergency dental services. Accidents don’t just happen during normal business hours. Depending on the severity of the problem, we can get your child treated on weekends or in the evenings.

How Does Pediatric Dentistry Differ From Adult Dentistry?

Pediatric dentists are specially trained to deal with children’s teeth. They specialize in all aspects of children’s oral health. Children’s teeth differ from adult teeth in multiple ways, which is why it’s important to have a knowledgeable dentist treat your kids. Also, kids aren’t always able to explain what is hurting them. Pediatric dentists learn the best methods to put kids at ease and diagnose what the problem is.

Luckily, Lovett Dental offers specialized dental services for the whole family. We have dentists who can treat your family at every stage of life, from baby teeth to braces to dentures. We’ll make sure your kids always have bright, confident smiles. If your family needs dental services in the Houston, TX area, Lovett Dental is the best option.

Remember, accidents happen. You want to get your kids the help they need right away. We’ll be here for you when that happens. When a pediatric dental emergency happens, give our friendly receptionists a call at 832-804-7427, and they’ll be happy to make you an appointment.