Protecting your Child's Teeth

There are several ways to make sure that your child maintains a beautiful smile well into adulthood. It is necessary to prevent cavities with regular check ups, brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning. At every check up, the dentist will have an opportunity to provide you with age appropriate tips for the care of your child’s teeth.

Ways to try to avoid dental injuries:

• When children play sports you must be sure they are wearing the proper gear for that particular sport. For example, head gear and a mouth guard for contact sports.
• Always use a car seat for young children and check to see that everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt.
• Child-proof your home to prevent falls and electrical injuries.

These preventive measures will go a long way in protecting your child’s teeth; but, if your child suffers from a dental problem you can follow some simple steps to try to avoid further damage.

What to do when your child has a dental emergency:

Toothaches

• If your child has a toothache, call your dentist and visit the office right away.
• To help control the symptoms you can use over the counter children’s medication in the correct dose for your child’s age and weight.
• Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.
• You can put cold compresses or ice wrapped in a towel or cloth on the area of the pain.
• For comfort rinse the mouth with water.

Chipped or Fractured Teeth
If your child needs urgent dental treatment call your dentist right away. Keep the emergency number nearby in case you need it after hours. The faster you react the better your chances are of saving the tooth and preventing further damage or infection.

• First of all contact your dentist immediately.
• Try to find the broken tooth fragment and place it in cold milk or water and bring it to the dental office.
• Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to the area to reduce swelling.

Tooth Loss and Serious Injury

• If it is a baby tooth that gets knocked out; the tooth should not be replanted because it can damage the developing permanent tooth. Contact your dentist anyway.
• If it is a permanent tooth that gets knocked out, find the tooth and rinse it gently in cold water. Do not scrub it clean with soap, only use water. If you can, place the tooth back in the socket immediately and hold it there with a clean gauze or wash cloth. If you can’t place it back in the socket put it in a clean container with cold milk, saliva or water. Go to the dentist right away.
• If your child suffers a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture you need to seek immediate medical attention. A severe head injury can be life threatening or cause permanent damage. Keep in mind that an emergency medical team such as an ambulance or care flight might be able to reach you faster than you can get to the hospital. Dial 911 immediately so they can get there promptly and at the same time guide you with instructions on what to do next.

CALL AND SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!!! (818) 506-2424