Summer break is an exciting time for children, but it can also bring an increased risk of dental emergencies. With more free time spent at home, kids are more likely to encounter seemingly harmless things around the house that can pose a threat to their oral health.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some common hazards in your home that could potentially harm your child’s teeth without you even realizing it.
6 Common Household Hazards That Can Cause Dental Emergencies in Children
Slippery Surfaces
Slippery surfaces like wet bathroom floors, bathtubs, pool decks, and kitchen puddles can be dangerous for toddlers who like to run around. If they slip and fall, they could chip or knock out their teeth.
To prevent dental emergencies, keep surfaces dry and clean, watch your child to make sure they don’t run on slippery areas and consider using an anti-slip mat in the bathtub for added safety.
Furniture with Sharp Edges and Unstable Furniture
That stylish coffee table with sharp corners might look great in your living room, but it can increase the risk of injuries for your child, including dental trauma. Similarly, unstable furniture can be a hazard if your child climbs on it, potentially leading to falls and tooth damage.
The best course of action for prevention is to cover sharp edges with padding and move unstable furniture out of your child’s reach.
Exposed Cords and Loose Rugs
Exposed cords and loose rugs are tripping hazards that could cause a child to fall face-first. To minimize the risk of falls, keep all cords tidy and out of reach. Consider using carpet tape to secure any loose carpets or rugs that could pose a tripping hazard.
Scattered Toys and Dangerous Toy Types
It’s normal for kids to leave toys all over the place when they play. But it’s important to put them away when playtime is done. Not only are they painful to step on, but the toy’s small parts could also pose a choking risk or cause a nasty fall for your child.
Some toys are more dangerous than others. Watch out for toys with sharp edges. Also, be careful with toys made from flimsy plastic that breaks easily into tiny pieces. Broken bits can damage your child’s teeth or cause dental emergencies.
Unsecured Stairs
Properly secure your stairs with sturdy gates or barriers at both the top and bottom. Even a single second of unsupervised access to the stairs can result in a tumble, which could lead to serious dental trauma, as well as other potentially severe injuries.
Always ensure that your stairs are inaccessible to unsupervised young children to minimize the risk of dental emergencies at home and keep your children safe
Sharp Objects
Don’t let your child run around the house with sharp objects in their mouth. Things like forks, pencils, or scissors can cause serious injuries if your child trips and falls while holding them in their mouth.
What to Do If a Dental Emergency Occurs
Accidents happen, even when we do our best to prevent them. If your child experiences a dental emergency at home, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:
Staying Calm and Assessing the Situation
If your child has a dental emergency at home, stay calm and follow these steps. First, check the situation to see if your child is hurting, bleeding, or if a tooth is chipped, broken, or missing. Based on the type of emergency, you can use our basic guidelines here to give first aid and help with pain.
Contacting Your Child’s Dentist
Call your child’s dentist right away. They will tell you what to do next, let you know if you need to come in immediately, or give you tips on how to handle the situation at home until your appointment.
Avoiding dental emergencies at home is all about being proactive and prepared. If you have any questions about preventing dental injuries at home, don’t hesitate to reach out to our pediatric dental team at Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry.
Read Also: A Parent’s Guide to Addressing Dental Emergencies in Children
If, despite your best efforts, a dental emergency does occur, rest assured that our team is here to support you. Our pediatric dental practice in Lafayette, LA is well-equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies.
We offer emergency dental services for your child every weekday. In addition, we provide a 24/7 after-hours emergency line, so you can reach us at any time, day or night. If your child experiences a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call us at 337-443-9944.