No matter how much you take good care of your teeth, certain conditions may occur any time and it’s important that you know some first-aid procedures for teeth problems to prevent further complications.
Toothaches
A toothache is one of the most common dental problems that both children and adults experience. It can be caused by anything, such as an abscess or cavity. Food particles, which may have been lodged between the teeth, can also cause toothache. If this is the case, remove the food particles with dental floss.
When using aspirin or painkillers, make sure the substance does not reach the gums near the affected tooth, as this may cause the gum tissue to burn. Have your child rinse his or her mouth thoroughly with warm water, then apply a cold compress if the area is swollen. Seek the help of local dentists immediately to determine what is causing the toothache.
Chipped or Dislodged Teeth
When a tooth gets knocked off, it’s crucial to maintain the moisture of the tooth. You could either put your child’s tooth back to its place, in between teeth and gums, or douse it in milk to preserve it until the problem is addressed by a dentist. In case of a partial dislodge or crack, apply cold compress on the affected area of the mouth or cheek to reduce swelling and relieve pain. While doing that, try to preserve the chipped or cracked pieces.
Preventive Measures
Children, in particular, are prone to all sorts of accidents because of their restless behavior at play and their tendency to explore without knowing the dangers in their surroundings. With the high probability of accidents among children, precautionary measures will be helpful in reducing the risks and protecting your child from dental pain. Teach your child to use scissors—and not his/her teeth—to cut things. Let him/her wear mouth guards when doing sports or any recreational activities that entail too much action. Discourage him/her to chew hard food items, like popcorn kernels, hard candy and ice, especially for younger children as they might lose their baby teeth earlier.
Visit Pediatric Dentists
Aside from these preventive measures, take your child regularly to a pediatric dentist for a routine checkup. Pediatric dentistry typically involves preventive oral care for young members of the family, treatment for early signs of oral conditions, and habit counselling. This will help him/her develop the habit of having his teeth checked, which he will carry until adulthood.
If you live in Greenville, SC, dental offices, like Downtown Dental, can address your child’s immediate oral problems and clean their teeth thoroughly.
Sources:
Handling Dental Emergencies. Webmd.com
What is a Pediatric Dentist? Healthychildren.org
