Dental Emergencies
When dental emergencies happen, we're here to help! If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, please call our office right away. We're committed to providing immediate care to ensure your child's comfort and safety.
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For after-hours emergencies, press the number 8 during the recording to be connected with our on-call dentist. Your child's well-being is our top priority, and we're always ready to assist you in any urgent situation.
Toothache
When your child has a toothache, start by rinsing their mouth with warm water. Gently use dental floss to remove any food particles stuck between their teeth, then rinse again. If you notice swelling, place an ice pack or a cold compress on the outside of their cheek for 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes before reapplying.
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Avoid using heat. You can give your child pain medication to help ease their discomfort. Schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist as soon as possible to address the issue.
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For a lost baby tooth, do not attempt to put it back in the socket. Apply gentle pressure to the area and contact our pediatric dental office right away for further instructions.
Lost or Knocked-Out Tooth
If your child loses an adult tooth, gently try to place it back in the socket if possible. If that’s not an option, keep the tooth between their cheek and gum, or place it in a container with milk to keep it safe. Avoid touching the root to prevent damage. Contact us immediately or head to the emergency room. Quick action can often save the tooth.
Broken Tooth
If your child has a broken tooth, it's important to see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will determine whether the break was caused by a cavity or trauma and assess if the tooth's nerve is at risk. A damaged nerve may require nerve treatment
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In the meantime, follow these steps:
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Rinse: Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area.
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Control Bleeding: Apply pressure with a piece of gauze on any bleeding areas for about 10 minutes, or until the bleeding stops. If this doesn't work, use a tea bag and apply pressure to the area.
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Reduce Swelling: Apply a cold pack to the cheek or lips over the broken tooth to help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
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Protect the Tooth: If you can't get to the dentist right away, cover the broken part of the tooth with temporary dental cement, available at most drugstores.
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Pain Relief: Give your child an over-the-counter pain reliever to help manage any discomfort.
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Seeing a dentist promptly will minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best care for your child’s dental health.
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If the bleeding doesn’t stop, it’s important to see a dentist right away or visit a hospital emergency room. Keep applying pressure with the gauze until your child receives professional care.
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Your child’s comfort and safety are our top priorities. For any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to your child’s tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips can cause bleeding, which can be quite alarming. Here’s how to manage it effectively:
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Rinse: Gently rinse your child’s mouth with a mild salt-water solution to clean the area.
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Apply Pressure: Use a damp piece of gauze or a tea bag to press on the bleeding site. Hold it in place for 15 to 20 minutes.
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Cold Compress: To help control bleeding and reduce pain, hold a cold compress against the outside of your child’s mouth or cheek in the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes.
Infections & Facial Swelling
Abscesses are serious dental infections that can occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. If left untreated, they can damage surrounding tissue and teeth, and the infection may spread to other parts of the body.
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What to Watch For
If you notice a painful, pimple-like swelling on your child’s gum, it’s essential to see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. This swelling is typically a sign of an abscess and should not be ignored due to the serious health risks involved.
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Immediate Care Tips
To help ease your child’s pain and bring the pus to the surface, rinse their mouth with a mild salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day. If your child is too young to rinse, you can use a syringe to gently apply the solution to their mouth.
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When to Seek Emergency Care
Head to the hospital emergency room if your child experiences any of the following symptoms, as they may require immediate IV antibiotics:
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Swelling of the face
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Redness around the face
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Fever
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Difficulty swallowing
Taking swift action can prevent further complications and ensure your child's health and comfort.
Lost Filling
If your child loses a filling, place a piece of softened, sugarless chewing gum in the spot where the filling was lost. This will temporarily protect the area until you can see the dentist. Schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible to ensure your child's smile stays healthy and pain-free.
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