There can be many dental emergencies that need prompt attention, either by a parent/caregiver or a dentist. Here are some common dental emergencies in Huntersville, North Carolina, and advice on how to care for them.
- Toothache – Clean the area, rinsing the mouth with warm water, and use dental floss to clean between the tooth to ensure any food is dislodged.
- Knocked-out permanent teeth – If you can, find the tooth and handle it by the crown. You can rinse the tooth with clean water. Inspect the tooth for any chips and fractures, and if none are found, try and reinsert it in the socket. Have the child then hold onto the tooth by biting down gently on gauze.
- Chipped or fractured baby teeth or permanent teeth – This situation constitutes a call to the pediatric dentist. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to the area to reduce swelling. If possible, locate and save any broken tooth fragments and bring them to Dr. Mitchell.
- Severe blow to the head – Take your child to the nearest emergency room immediately.
- Broken or fractured jaw – Prevent the jaw from moving and take the child to the nearest emergency room.
- Cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek – Apply ice to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, use a gauze and apply firm but gentle pressure.
Please contact Dentistry For Kids, Pediatric & Orthodontics for more information on dental emergencies or to make an emergency appointment with our pediatric dentist, Dr. Kisha Steele Mitchell. We can be reached at 704-948-8494 or on our emergency line at 704-762-1134.