What should I do if there is a dental emergency?
Question: What should I do if there is a dental emergency
The most important thing you should do is to try and remain calm. Understand that injuries to the mouth, teeth and face do happen frequently with both adults and children. In order to minimize the traumatic situation and comfort the injured person you must remain calm and take the appropriate prompt action.
The next thing you should do is assess whether or not the accident involved hitting the head or causing them to lose consciousness at all. If consciousness was lost, even briefly, then you should contact a physician immediately, and then focus on the teeth once everything is stabilized.
If there is any beeding, use a clean towel or gauze, and then check around you for any broken or missing teeth. It is possible broken fragments may have entered parts of the lip. If any teeth are missing, you should look for them in case they can be utilized.
Accidents can happen to anyone but many traumatic injuries occur from 18 to 40 months of age. This is due to the fact that this is a time where your uncoordinated toddler is learning to walk and run. The risk for dental injuries for you and your child can be greatly reduced by doing the following:
- Make sure that protective athletic gear, including a sports mouth guard, is worn to prevent sever injuries to the mouth.
- Check to see that you and your child are properly secured in the car, using the appropriate car seat, booster, or seat belt.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and prevent unnecessary injuries at home by taking precautions and child-proofing the house for younger kids.
- Advise your children to avoid rough play and to not run fast in confined or slippery spaces.
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Tags: bleeding, consciousness, dental emergency, dental injury, trauma