Pediatric Dentistry

Pain Management Protocol

Start with:

• Ibuprofen 600mg or 800mg (Advil, Motrin) unless otherwise directed by your doctor or dentist
• Take every 8 hours
  
  *Over-the-counter Ibuprofen typically comes in 200mg tablets, so you can take 3-4 tablets to reach the recommended 600-800mg dosage. Do not exceed 3200mg daily.

If necessary add:

• Acetaminophen 500mg (Tylenol)
• Take every 6 hours
• Recommended to be taken 3 hours after dose of Ibuprofen, but can be taken at same time as Ibuprofen
  
  *Over-the-counter Acetaminophen typically comes in 375mg or 500mg tablets, so you can take the 1-2 tablets to reach the recommended 500mg dosage. Do not exceed 2000mg daily.

If discomfort persists, discontinue Acetaminophen 500mg and replace with:

• Norco 5/325mg OR Tylenol #3 (depending on what was prescribed to you)
• >Both listed medications contain Tylenol so please be aware of your total daily consumption (do not exceed 2000mg Tylenol a day).
• >Take 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed for additional pain control
• >Recommended to take 3 hours after dose of Ibuprofen, but can be taken at same time as Ibuprofen
• >Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking these medications as they can cause drowsiness
• >If pain is more prominent at night, save these medications for use closer to bedtime as tolerance can build quickly

If you’re a new parent and your toddler has swollen gums, you may be concerned. Is this normal? Do you need to call a dentist? How can you help them with the pain and discomfort of gum swelling? In this blog from Enamel Dentistry, we’ll answer all of your questions about toddlers and swollen gums.

Should I Be Worried About My Toddler’s Swollen Gums? 

In most cases, the answer is no. Gum health issues like gingivitis are very rare in toddlers. If your toddler’s gums are swollen and tender, this is likely due to the natural teething process.

As the teeth begin to move beneath the surface of the gums, the gums may look swollen or red, and seem inflamed. Your toddler may also be cranky or complain of pain in their mouth if they’re old enough to do so. 

However, this is completely normal. As their tooth erupts, their gums will stop swelling and will become less inflamed. Once the tooth has fully erupted, you will no longer notice any serious inflammation or swelling around the area. 

Throughout the teething process, make sure to follow proper pediatric oral care precautions to keep your child’s mouth healthy. Brush their teeth with a blob of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice (until the age of 3), and make sure you see your dentist at Enamel Dentistry every six months for a consultation.

Tips To Mitigate Teething Pain At Home

Teething can cause your child a lot of discomfort, but there are a few easy ways you can mitigate teething pain at home. 

• Rub your child’s gums with wet gauze or a clean finger. The pressure helps reduce discomfort.
• Use a cold spoon or teething ring to soothe your child’s gums. Cooling down the gums can help with pain.
• Try over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol or Motrin for kids. The analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties of these NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) will provide your child with relief from teething discomfort.

When Should I Call My Dentist? 

While this is rare in toddlers who are receiving proper oral care, it’s possible for toddlers to be affected by gingivitis or gum infections. If your toddler’s gums are very swollen, discolored, and bleed easily, they may have gingivitis.

Other potential signs of an issue include a high fever, pus draining from any area of their gums, or red streaks leading from a particular area of their gums. If you notice any of these issues, you should call your pediatric dentist for an emergency consultation immediately. 

Get The Dental Care You Need For Your Toddler At Enamel Dentistry

At Enamel Dentistry, we serve all of Austin with expert preventive and pediatric dental care. If your child is teething and you want to make sure their mouth is healthy, don’t wait. Contact us online to visit us at our South Lamar, Parmer Park, Lantana Place, or Saltillo location, and get your little one the care they need. 

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Post-Operative Dental Surgery Instructions

1. Things to expect following surgery:
2. >Bleeding: Bleeding or oozing for the first 12-24 hours is common. Mild to moderate bruising/discoloration can also be present.
3. >Swelling: Swelling may begin within the first 24 hours but should reach its maximum by 48-72hours. Swelling should diminish by the 5th day.
4. >Discomfort: Discomfort may begin as early as when the anesthetic wears off. Typically discomfort will increase as swelling increases, with peak levels occurring within the first 48hours and gradually tapering thereafter.
5. Things to do following surgery:
6. >Refrain from: Smoking, vaping, vigorous swishing, and drinking through a straw for a minimum of the first 72 hours. Ideally to prevent infections and delays in the healing process, this should be avoided until the tissue completely heals up or your dentist advises you otherwise. Please also refrain from disturbing any stitches that were placed.
7. >Bleeding:
8. >>Bite on gauze for 30 min - 1 hour with constant, firm pressure over the surgical site. If bleeding continues, replace gauze and continue to apply pressure until bleeding stops.Some oozing and discoloration of saliva is normal, so place an old towel on your pillow before going to sleep the first night. Keep head elevated.
9. >Swelling:
10. >>Apply an ice pack to the outside of the face over the surgical area--20 minutes on, 20minutes off. Repeat for the first 24 hours following surgery as needed.
11. >>After first day use warm, moist heat on face for swelling.
12. >Discomfort:
13. >>Take medications as directed for pain. See provided Pain Management sheet.
14. >Diet:
15. >>Avoid crunchy, crumbly, hot, or spicy foods for at least the first 72 hours following surgery or as directed by your dentist. Soup (room temperature or cold), oatmeal, milkshakes (without seeds), and mashed potatoes are all examples of acceptable soft foods. Do not skip meals as adequate nutrition is important for the healing process.
16. >>Diet can be supplemented with high protein or meal replacement shakes such asEnsure or Boost. Protein is an essential nutrient in the recovery process.
17. >Physical Activity:
18. >>Avoid heavy lifting, sports, or strenuous exercises for the first 5-7 days or as directed by your dentist. Walking is a great way to maintain physical activity while healing.
19. >Hygiene:
20. >>Do not brush teeth in area of surgery for the first 48 hours. Other areas of the mouth may be brushed paying special attention to avoid area of surgery.
21. >>Use warm salt water rinses (¼ teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water) 3-5 times daily after meals for the first 2 days following surgery (very gentle swishing).
22. >>If periodontal surgery was completed, including crown lengthening, do not brush the site for the first week. Use Peridex mouth rinse twice daily, swishing for 30 seconds and spitting.
23. >Medication:
24. >>Take all medications as instructed. If antibiotics were prescribed, be sure to take ALLas directed.
25. Contact the office at (512) 717-5315 or seek emergency care if:
26. >Bleeding is excessive, swelling continues to enlarge after 72 hours, difficulty swallowing or breathing, temperature rises over 100°F.