As a parent, it can be heart-wrenching to see your child in pain or discomfort, especially when it’s a dental emergency like a broken tooth.

Whether caused by a fall or a blow to the face, a broken tooth needs prompt attention to minimize the damage and prevent infection. Here’s what you need to do when your child breaks their tooth:.

1. Stay Calm

The first and most important thing to do when your child breaks their tooth is to stay calm. Children are very sensitive to their parents’ emotions, and panic on your part will only increase their anxiety.

Take deep breaths, keep a reassuring smile on your face, and speak in a gentle voice to comfort your child.

2. Control the Bleeding

If your child’s broken tooth is bleeding, try to stop the bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Keep the cloth in place for several minutes until the bleeding stops.

If the bleeding persists, contact your dentist immediately.

3. Rinse with Warm Water

After the bleeding has stopped, rinse your child’s mouth with warm water. This will help to clean the area and remove any debris or dirt that may have entered the tooth.

If your child is able to rinse their mouth, let them do so, but supervise them closely to prevent swallowing any water.

4. Save the Tooth Fragment

If possible, try to find and save the broken tooth fragment. This may be helpful to your dentist in repairing the tooth. Rinse the fragment with warm water, and store it in a clean container filled with milk.

Milk provides an ideal environment for the tooth fragment to stay healthy and viable until your dentist can see your child.

5. Call Your Dentist

Contact your dentist immediately after your child breaks their tooth. Explain the situation, and ask for an emergency appointment.

Most dentists keep slots open in their schedules for dental emergencies, so you should be able to get an appointment fairly quickly. Inform your dentist about any pain, bleeding, or swelling your child is experiencing.

6. Administer Pain Relief

If your child is experiencing pain or discomfort, administer pain relief as directed by your dentist. Over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often effective in relieving dental pain.

However, do not give your child aspirin, as it can increase bleeding.

7. Apply Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help to reduce swelling and soothe any pain or discomfort. Wrap a bag of ice or frozen vegetables in a cloth and hold it against your child’s cheek where the tooth is located.

Make sure the compress is not too cold, and keep it in place for 10-15 minutes at a time.

8. Follow Dental Aftercare Instructions

After your child has received treatment for their broken tooth, it’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent further damage.

This may include taking antibiotics, using a mouth rinse, or avoiding certain foods or activities. Make sure your child understands and follows these instructions as well.

9. Schedule Follow-up Appointments

Your child may need to follow up with their dentist for x-rays or further treatment. It’s important to schedule these appointments and ensure that your child attends them.

Regular dental check-ups can help to prevent dental emergencies and detect any problems early on.

10. Stay Positive

Finally, stay positive and reassure your child that everything will be alright. Dental emergencies can be scary, but with prompt intervention and follow-up care, a broken tooth can often be repaired.

Encourage your child to take care of their teeth and maintain good oral hygiene habits.