Parenting Tips: Dealing With Kids And Emergent Dental Injuries
Posted on: 10 July 2017
As a parent, you are probably already aware that injuries are going to be a part of everyday life. While some injuries are not going to require major medical attention, others are more serious and will need to be seen by a doctor. This is particularly true with dental emergency situations. The major issue with child medical injuries, especially emergent dental injuries, is the fact that they are not only painful but also very scary. The following are some things you can do to help ease your child's worries while you seek emergency dental services:
Keep Yourself Calm
The only thing that will make the situation worse for your child is if you are panicking yourself. While it does seem upsetting that you have to watch your child go through something potentially traumatizing, you have to keep your cool as best you can. Take deep breaths, count to ten, and be there for your child. He or she is going to need you to advocate for the best possible care, and you cannot do that without a level head.
Have Your Child's Favorites On Hand
Once you have determined that you will need to seek medical attention for your child's injuries, be sure to have some things on hand to help keep your child calm while he or she is being evaluated or to hold onto during treatments. This can include a favorite item, such as a blanket or stuffed animal. You can also have some fun stickers and sticker books on hand to keep your child occupied if he or she is able to be upright. Also, you may want to bring along a favorite book or two to read to your child while you are waiting in between visits from the medical staff.
Seek Out the Best
Another thing that you can do is find the best dental specialist for your child's needs. If the issue is a true emergency, your first stop is likely going to be the local emergency room at the hospital. However, you will eventually need to seek further treatment in order to have permanent restoration. If you have a regular family dentist that your child sees regularly and is qualified to handle the injury, this will be the obvious choice. If your child needs to have specialized work done with an orthodontist or other specialist, be sure to do solid research so that you get the person that will fit all your child's needs. Not only does he or she need to be great at procedures, but also a caring bedside manner is crucial, especially for scared children.
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