Dental Emergencies
Your child is probably going to have a dental emergency at some point. Most children do. Always keep our number by the phone for easy access just in case. Please review our dental topics for more useful information.
If your child does have an emergency, stay calm and follow the instructions below:
Call (972) 378-KIDS (5437)
What do I do if my child has a toothache?
A: Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply cold compresses. Take the child to a dentist.
What do I do if my child gets a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?
A: Go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital. A blow to the head can be life threatening.
What do I do if my child has an abcess and/or tooth/facial swelling?
A: Call your pediatric dentist or pediatrician immediately.
What do I do if my child has a cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek?
A: Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a piece of gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to hospital emergency room.
What do I do if my child has a knocked-out permanent tooth?
A: Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to insert it back into the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a piece of gauze or a wash cloth. If you cannot insert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s own saliva or cold milk. The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor for survival of the tooth. Learn more about preventing tooth trauma during childhood sports by using mouthguards.
What do I do if my child has a chipped or broken tooth?
A: Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.
At Kids Dental, we offer comprehensive, family-centered pediatric dental care in a child-friendly nurturing environment. If you are looking for a place to call your dental home, please schedule a consultation with one of our pediatric dentists by completing an Online Appointment Request or calling either office.
Testimonials