An emergency is a situation that happens all of a sudden, requiring immediate care and attention. Emergencies can occur even in dentistry when situations negatively impact the welfare of your teeth, gums, and other orofacial structures. As a parent, knowing how to handle dental emergencies in your toddlers is important. Being aware of when to seek immediate care from a pediatric dentist can make a significant difference in your toddler’s oral health.
A toddler’s oral health should be your top priority since their teeth lay a strong foundation for future permanent dentition. Dental emergencies like toothache, knocked out teeth, and fractured teeth in toddlers can be daunting and negatively impact their overall health and well-being (1a). In this article, we will explore when to take your toddler to an emergency pediatric dentist, and the benefits of visiting a pediatric dentist.
When to Take Your Toddler to an Emergency Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the oral cavity in infants, children, and teenagers (2). Below are the situations that make it necessary for you to take your toddler to an emergency pediatric dentist-
1. Severe Toothache
Increased tooth sensitivity and pain are common among toddlers due to a wide variety of reasons like decay, gum disease, and trauma (1b). When home remedies like salt water gargling do not help, it is important to take your toddler to an emergency pediatric dentist since extreme tooth pain is considered a dental emergency.
2. Fractured or Broken Tooth
Toddlers are always engaged in a lot of physical activities and are prone to dental trauma. There may be a fear of hurting or breaking their bone too which requires an immediate visit to the emergency pediatric dentist.
3. Avulsed Tooth
An avulsed tooth is a condition when the tooth is completely knocked out of the socket, usually due to trauma (3). As a parent, you must know how to manage a knocked-out tooth by keeping it in a moist medium like milk until you reach the emergency department as soon as possible. Quick action can save your toddler’s tooth.
4. Abscess or Swelling
An abscessed tooth or infection is always a cause of concern and is considered a dental emergency in toddlers. This may be accompanied by fever and extreme pain (4). Seek immediate emergency care to prevent the infection from spreading.
5. Bleeding Gums
Extreme bleeding from the gums and mouth after trauma requires immediate emergency care (5). The pediatric dentist will assess the condition and provide the necessary treatment.
6. Head Injury
Toddlers being super active are prone to injuries that can have a forceful impact causing injury to their heads. Head injuries can be serious, requiring emergency pediatric care.
Benefits of an Emergency Pediatric Dentist
Not all dentists are specially trained to handle toddlers and children. Dentists require a different approach while dealing with them due to tantrums and all the drama they create. Thus, pediatric dentists often look after toddlers, children, and teens. They play a pivotal role in kid’s oral health and wellness due to the following benefits-
- Pediatric dentists have specialized training to handle toddlers and children and understand their unique dental needs (6)
- They can easily help kids overcome their fear and anxiety by being friendly. They also offer a calm and comfortable environment to alleviate anxiety and be able to cooperate with the dentists during dental procedures
- They offer additional guidance to parents and kids about the need for a healthy diet and teach them proper oral hygiene practices
- Emergency pediatric dentists are well-equipped to handle dental emergencies involving toddlers
- They understand the urgency of dental emergencies and always prioritize your kid’s oral health and well-being
Toddlers can encounter dental emergencies like severe tooth pain, abscesses, fractured teeth, bleeding gums, and head injury. As a parent, you must know what dental situations are considered as an emergency and how to manage them. It is critical to seek immediate emergency care for toddlers with a pediatric dentist to prevent further damage and deterioration. Pediatric dentists are specialized dental professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat diseases related to the oral cavity in toddlers, children, and teenagers. They are well equipped to handle tantrums and dental anxiety and fear in them.
FAQ’s
1. What is The Oldest Age to See a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a specialized dental professional that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of oral issues in infants, children, and teenagers. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the oldest age to see a pediatric dentist is 18-19 years.
2. Is it Normal For a 4-Year-Old to Have a Toothache?
Yes, it is normal for a 4-year-old to have a toothache. Tooth pain is usually a result of oral problems like tooth decay, gum disease, or dental trauma. Kids as early as 2-4 years old are prone to toothache due to poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating habits.
3. Is it Bad if I Don’t Take my Kid to The Dentist Ever?
Yes, it is bad if you don’t take your kid to the dentist. Your kid’s teeth are as important as other organs in their body. A child’s oral health is important and parents should not neglect it. Thus, it is essential to take your kid to the dentist once or twice a year depending on oral health conditions and needs.
References
- Garispe A, Sorensen C, Sorensen JR. Saint Agnes Medical Center (Fresno CA), Dental Emergencies. [Updated 2022 Dec 7] – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589664/
- Shah S. Paediatric dentistry- novel evolvement. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2017 Dec – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758834/
- Salarić I, Tikvica Medojević D, Baždarić K, Kern J, Miličević A, Đanić P, Biočić J, Macan D. Primary School Teachers’ Knowledge on Tooth Avulsion. Acta Stomatol Croat. 2021 Mar;55(1):28-36. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8033624/
- Srivastava VK. Prevalence of Abscesses Associated with Carious Primary Teeth in Preschool Children and its Association with Age, Gender, Location, and Parent’s Education and Social Class: An Observational Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2022 May-Jun;15(3):287-292 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9357539/
- Elleray E, Brizuela M, Pepper T. Trauma to the Primary Dentition. University of Manchester, International University Of Catalunya (UIC), St George’s Hospital [Updated 2023 Jun 1]– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580475/
- Cagetti MG, Campus G. The Future of Pediatric Dentistry Is Now. Children (Basel). 2023 Jan 3;10(1):97.– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9856634/
