How Can You Prevent Pediatric Dental Emergencies?

• Pay Attention to Changes in Your Child’s Teeth, Gums, or Mouth

Make it a habit to observe your child’s mouth for any irregularities. This is especially if they have complained about maybe a toothache or anything that affects their mouth. Sometimes you may dismiss their complaints as minor, but it could be a serious sign. If you notice your child has trouble swallowing, chewing, or they have tenderness and swelling anywhere in their mouth, it is good to reach out for a dentist’s opinion as soon as possible.

• Develop A Consistent Oral Care Routine at Home

To prevent pediatric dental emergencies in Houston, TX, ensures that your child brushes their teeth at least twice every day, and especially before bed. Use a fluoride toothpaste that corresponds to their age, alongside a soft-bristled toothbrush. Always supervise them as they brush to ensure they are doing it correctly. To make this habit easier and fun for them, do it together to learn from you. Suppose you are not sure how to clean your child’s teeth as a kid dentist near you for advice.

• Reduce Their Intake of Sugary and Acidic Foods

Treats and snacks do not always have to be candies or fizzy drinks. Considering that kids are yet to master the correct technique for cleaning their teeth, you should limit their intake of sugary and acidic foods to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Always serve them a healthy and balanced diet to help them develop strong and healthy teeth.

• Insist on Safety Gear During Play

Some of the dental emergencies in Houston, TX, can be prevented by taking extra caution when engaging in potentially high-impact activities. If your kid is learning to ride a bike, get them a headgear. If they are participating in sports, have them wear a mouthguard. It may seem like paranoid, but eventually, it could save you the anguishing trip to an emergency pediatric dentist near you. Using a car seat and child-proof devices like gates to keep them off the stairs also goes a long way in protecting their teeth in an accident or fall.

• Bring Them for Regular Dental Check-Ups

Just like adults, children need to see a dentist regularly. A visit to a pediatric dentist near you will help identify your child’s oral needs through diagnostic testing like x-rays and physical exams. Any potential risks are also identified to avoid emergencies such as loosened teeth.

Pediatric dentists in Houston, TX, advise that you schedule your child’s first dental visit as soon as their first tooth erupts. After that, they will schedule the visits depending on the state of their dental health, typically twice a year.

Part of the check-up includes developing an at-home care routine. For subsequent visits, the dentist checks to see if the routine is working or not. The dentist also looks out for any signs of potentially harmful habits like teeth grinding. Existing issues such as tooth decay are also taken care of before becoming an emergency, such as requiring the tooth to be extracted. Lastly, preventive treatment, such as fluoride varnishes and dental sealants, may offer additional protection.

• Discourage Bad Habits

From an early age, let your child know that some habits can cause harm to their teeth. Make sure to lead by example by avoiding using your teeth as tools or biting on hard objects such as pens. Regulate their diet to limit the number of hard foods they have to chew. Crunch or hard foods, including ice, can cause teeth to crack, chip, or break.

There are also habits such as teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, that may require professional help to control. Seek early intervention in this case before great damage caused to your little one’s teeth.

Get in touch with us today at Molar Bear Pediatric Dentistry for more information on how to prevent dental emergencies and even how to respond in the event they occur. We can cater to all kids, including those requiring special care.