Parents usually go to great lengths to make sure their children have healthy smiles. They never miss their child’s regular dental checkup and ensure they eat healthy food. Moreover, they also provide their child with properly fitting protective gear such as mouthguards. Despite taking proper care, when the child experiences a broken tooth can cause concern for the parent.
A broken tooth is like a crack that damages the entire tooth down to the roots. Breaking a tooth can be scary for anyone, especially children. But being a parent, it is up to you to remain calm and help them throughout the situation. This accident can be scary; however, it is essential to remain calm and take immediate action to prevent any complications. In this article, we will discuss everyone one must know about a broken tooth in a child and how parents can handle that situation effectively. Dr. Ravneet Kaur, the best dentist for children in Gurgaon, practicing at Smiles by Dr. Ravneet Dental Clinic, has shared her valuable insights to make this post factual. Continue reading for more insights.
How to Handle a Child’s Broken Teeth?
Following are some of the effective steps to handle a child’s broken teeth:
1. Call the Dentist
The first and foremost step is to call a dentist near me. Let them know what happened exactly. They will likely ask a few questions about how the tooth broke and how much of an emergency it is. They will make an appointment for you once they get all the necessary information. If it is an emergency situation, they will ask you to come to their clinic immediately.
2. Oral Rinse
The child’s tooth injury might have caused damage to the foot. This will hurt badly and might have a risk of infection. A warm water rinse with salt will help eliminate the symptoms. Salt water’s warmth helps reduce pain and keeps the risk of infection to a minimum. Make sure the water is not too hot for the child, as it might cause discomfort for them. Make your child swish it gently near their broken tooth and throughout the mouth. After around a minute, spit it out from the mouth. Since this treatment has no side effects, the child can do this as often as they wish. However, they should avoid swallowing salt water.
3. Apply Pressure to the Bleeding Area
If the child’s mouth is bleeding, the parent must apply pressure to the area affected using a clean cloth. Hold the cloth in place for around 8-10 minutes to stop bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, parents must seek the help of an orthodontist immediately. To do this, one can consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Ravneet Kaur, a prominent orthodontist in Gurgaon, at her facility, Smiles By Dr. Ravneet.
4. Ice the Affected Area
Parents must apply an ice pack, or they can use a cold compress to the affected area to reduce the pain and swelling. Wrap the compress in a cloth and hold it against the child’s cheeks for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this step several times after the injury.
5. Cover the Tooth
Place a temporary cover over the child’s tooth injury. This will help to prevent the tooth until one visits the dentist. Ensure the tooth is dry before applying the cover, or it will return quickly.
Note: Please note that if a child’s broken tooth has exposed roots, then this method should not be used as the cover might harm the root or cause extra damage when removed.
6. Administer Over-the-Counter Medications
If the child’s pain is bad, they may be required to administer over-the-counter pain medication. The parent must check the appropriate dose before giving it to them. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen helps to reduce both the swelling and the pain. This could help in making the child’s time before their appointment tolerable.
7. Save the Fragment
If a piece of the child’s tooth breaks off, try to find the missing teeth and keep it safe. The broken tooth fragment can sometimes be bonded back into the remaining tooth structure. If it is available, the tooth can be preserved in a wet cloth or gauze.
One must understand that these tips can help parents if their child’s tooth breaks. However, if such a situation arises, the parent must get in touch with a dentist as soon as possible to determine the best course of action for the child.
What Happens During an Appointment With the Dentist?
If one has utilized home care, it is time to make an appointment with a dentist. The dentist will perform a thorough examination of the child’s broken tooth. After a complete analysis, they will recommend the best course of treatment. Once the dentist has properly cleaned the child’s tooth injury, they will apply the crown or bonding. They can also use sedation dentistry if required for pain.
Using a certain kind of light, a tooth-coloured resin is attached to the teeth during the bonding process. It is similar to a filling. A crown is applied as a separate cap or cover to cover the crack in the child’s damaged tooth fully. The dentist will determine the required repair and guide you through the process.
Final Takeaway
Breaking a tooth can be both scary for the child as well as parent but how to tackle the situation helps prevent any damage or infections. Therefore, remaining calm is the first and foremost step in handling a child’s broken tooth. If the child breaks the tooth, follow the steps mentioned above and seek medical attention immediately. The child’s dentist will evaluate the damage and offer the best treatment to restore the child’s smile.
One can make an appointment with Dr. Ravneet Kaur, the best dentist for children in Gurgaon, at her clinic, Smiles by Dr. Ravneet. The expert dentist will assess the child’s teeth and will prepare a customized treatment plan.
Dr. Ravneet Kaur also performs several dental procedures at her clinic including tooth extractions, pulpectomy, dental fillings, and root canal therapy for children.
For more details on these treatments or to seek her help for your child’s broken tooth, pay a visit to Smiles by Dr. Ravneet.
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