Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat children’s teeth and oral hygiene problems. They focus on establishing good dental habits and showing kids that the dentist is not scary.
If your child has a knocked-out tooth, rinse the tooth gently with water (without scrubbing) and try to reinsert it. If this is not possible, store the tooth in a glass of milk.
Toothaches
Tooth pain can be caused by a variety of issues, from gum disease to tooth decay to dental trauma. It usually occurs when the nerves in the teeth become irritated or inflamed, causing pain. Depending on the cause, emergency dentists may recommend a number of treatments.
Children can experience anxiety when going to the dentist, but emergency pediatric dentist franklin tn are trained to help children feel comfortable during their appointment. They use techniques like storytelling, distraction, and positive reinforcement to make the visit enjoyable. They can also administer sedation to children with severe dental anxiety.
If a child’s tooth is knocked out, rinse it in clean water and try to return it to its socket if possible. If not, put the tooth in a glass of milk and call the dentist immediately.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
It’s not uncommon for children to crack or chip a tooth. It’s important to visit a pediatric dentist if this happens, as these dental professionals are equipped to handle the issue in a safe and comfortable manner.
Most chips are not serious, but cracked teeth should be treated right away. This is because cracked teeth can become a breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to more severe issues down the road.
Small cracks that are confined to the enamel can be filled with resin, while larger ones will likely need to be splinted and then covered by a crown. It’s also important to avoid biting down on hard or sticky foods, as this can cause additional damage. Also, wearing mouthguards during sports or physical activity can reduce the risk of a cracked tooth.
Loose Teeth
A wiggly tooth is normal for kids. It’s what usually leads to a visit from the tooth fairy. When it happens to adults, however, the situation is more serious. Adult teeth that are loose can affect biting and chewing, and they may even fall out if not treated quickly.
Loose teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, including gum disease (periodontitis) and traumatic injury. Symptoms of loose teeth include pain or discomfort while biting or chewing, and the presence of noticeable gaps or spaces between teeth that weren’t there before.
Emergency pediatric dentist franklin tn offer a variety of treatments for children’s dental emergencies, including fillings and extractions. They also help children establish healthy habits, including good oral hygiene and thumb-sucking cessation, so that they can prevent future problems.
Gum Disease
If your child experiences severe swelling of the face, especially when accompanied by fever or difficulty breathing, schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist right away. This could be a sign of a tooth abscess, an infection that can spread throughout the mouth and body if left untreated.
The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis and is characterized by red, swollen, or sensitive gums that bleed easily when brushing. It is easily treatable by proper oral hygiene and dental cleanings, but if left untreated, it can progress to the more serious and irreversible stage of periodontitis. This can lead to pain, sensitivity, and receding gums. It is also linked to heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. It may even shorten your child’s life expectancy.
Broken Jaw
A broken jaw is a serious injury that can cause bruising, swelling and pain in the lower face. It can also cause problems with eating, drinking and talking. If your child experiences a broken jaw, seek immediate medical attention.
To determine if the jaw is fractured, the doctor will do a physical exam and X-rays. Blood tests are usually not needed.
If the teeth are chipped, displaced or loose, the dentist will glue them back into place. The doctor will probably recommend that your child eat soft foods or liquids while the jaw heals. If the fracture is severe, surgery may be necessary to place metal plates in the jaw to hold it together as it heals. The treatment may take several months to complete.