Five Signs Your Child Needs Emergency Dental Care

Knowing how to identify a dental emergency ensures your child gets swift treatment to protect their dental health. While a simple toothache might not seem as serious as a knocked-out tooth, it could become a more severe oral issue if left untreated. Are you unsure what constitutes a dental emergency for your child or an issue that can wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist? There are specific indicators your child may need to see a dentist for immediate treatment or preventive care, such as uncontrollable bleeding from the mouth, severe toothache, or tooth loss. If your child suffers a dental emergency, board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Jeni Kong and the caring team at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA are available to help.

When might your child need emergency dental care?

At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Kong and her team understand that a dental emergency can be stressful and worrisome, especially when it involves your child. So, when does a dental injury or issue require urgent care? Dr. Kong wants to make sure families know how to address dental problems at home and when you should schedule an emergency dental appointment. Read on to learn more about when you need to see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible to preserve your child's oral health.

1. Swollen or bleeding gums

A dental injury to internal oral tissue, such as a laceration, puncture, or wound to the inside of the mouth, is considered a dental emergency. Clean the area immediately with warm water and if the tongue is bleeding, wrap it in gauze to put pressure on the wound.

2. Knocked-out tooth

If your child gets a permanent tooth knocked out with an accident or sports-related injury, it is imperative to see a dentist almost immediately. With tooth loss, please take the following steps to preserve it.

• Pick up the tooth by the crown, never by the roots
• Rinse the tooth off with only water
• Gently place your child's tooth back into the socket, if you can, and hold it into place
• If the lost tooth can't be put back into place, put it between your gums and cheek or in a glass of milk
• Call our office right away

3. Loose permanent tooth

A loose, permanent tooth is generally caused by a traumatic impact, such as a hard fall or if you are hit while playing a contact sport. Lightly push the loose tooth back into its socket and contact our office in Lawrenceville, GA. Not only is a loose tooth a painful experience, getting immediate dental care can reduce the risk of infection or losing the tooth permanently.

4. Severe tooth or mouth pain

Generally, a chipped or broken tooth doesn't require urgent dental care but a simple call to schedule an appointment to come in during regular office hours. However, if your child has a tooth that is radiating pain or bleeding, it's a dental emergency. The pain may be an indicator of an infection or more.

5. Abscess or oral infection

When a tooth is surrounded by pus or swelling, there's a chance it has abscessed and needs to be addressed almost immediately. For younger children or teenagers, an abscessed tooth is generally a result of dental trauma or injury while playing a contact sport.

Urgent dental care near me, and finding the right help

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should be looking for emergency dental care near you. If you're in Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Jeni Kong and her dedicated team at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry are here to help. Contact our office and receive further instructions from one of our caring team members on scheduling an emergency dental care appointment.