Pediatric Dental Emergencies

If your child experiences a bitten lip or tongue severe enough to cause bleeding, gently clean the bite with water. Applying a cold compress, like a wet towel or washcloth, can help reduce or prevent swelling. Please reach out to us for further guidance on assessing the seriousness of the injury.

If your child gets something caught between their teeth, use dental floss to remove it gently. Avoid using metal, plastic, or sharp tools, as they can cause harm. If you can't remove the object with dental floss, contact us for more help.

In the event of a chipped or broken tooth, start by rinsing your child's mouth with warm water. Next, use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Locate and save the broken tooth fragment, and contact us immediately for the next steps.

If your child has a permanent tooth knocked out, it's crucial to locate the tooth and rinse off any debris with water (no soap). Be careful to touch only the crown of the tooth (the visible part).

Store the tooth in a clean container with milk. Then, give us a call immediately. Quick action increases the chance of saving the tooth.

When dealing with a loose tooth due to dental trauma, it's essential to have it stabilized to maintain the tooth or if necessary have it removed to prevent accidental swallowing or aspiration. Contact our office for an evaluation.

If your child complains of a toothache, begin by rinsing their mouth with warm water and inspecting the teeth for trapped objects. If the pain persists, use a cold compress for relief.

Avoid applying heat, aspirin, or topical pain relievers directly to the affected area, as this can harm the gums. Your child can take oral pain relievers to ease discomfort. Schedule an appointment with us to determine the root cause.

If you suspect your child has sustained a broken jaw, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Then, call our emergency number and proceed to the hospital immediately. Severe blows to the head can be dangerous, even life-threatening.

Here are some simple yet effective measures to help protect your child from dental emergencies:

• Child-proof your house to prevent falls and accidents.
• Discourage your child from chewing on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods.
• Always use car seats for young children and ensure seatbelts for older ones.
• If your child participates in contact sports, consider a custom-fitted mouthguard—feel free to ask us about creating one.
• Regular brushing, flossing, and routine visits to our office are excellent ways to prevent toothaches and ensure a healthy smile.