Dental Emergency & Prevention

What To Do If You Suspect your Child is having a Dental Emergency:

My child’s baby tooth is knocked out?

CALL US RIGHT AWAY! Do NOT try to put the tooth back in on your own. It is okay that the tooth came out, but we need to assess the area as soon as possible to give the best care and to check for other injuries. If the accident happens after the office has closed, use the after-hours number and we will get back to you quickly.

My child’s Permanent (adult) tooth is knocked out?

CALL US IMMEDIATELY! Find the tooth if you can and touch only the crown—the white part—and avoid the root. If the tooth is dirty, you can rinse it with cold water but not for longer than 10 seconds and do NOT use soap or scrub the tooth. The best thing to do is place it back in the socket, but if you cannot, put it in a stainer with milk and your child’s saliva. Then, come to the office immediately, even if it is not normal business hours.

My child is complaining of a toothache.

Give us a call so we can schedule your visit as soon as possible. This isn’t usually a dental emergency, but we don’t want your child to be in pain.

Once you call us, ask your child to point to the exact area that is hurting. Check it for foreign objects that could be causing pain. Loose baby teeth or erupting teeth can also cause pain. Also see if you can spot a small hole underneath the tooth, as this could be a sign of a cavity.

If you notice swelling in your child’s face, use a cold compress and call Belmont Pediatric Dentistry as soon as possible. Any swelling related to dental anatomy is very concerning. This could indicate an abscessed tooth or other infection, both of which need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications. To comfort your child, here are some simple remedies to use until you are able to visit us:

• Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water or salt water.
• Try to floss out and dislodge any food debris that may be impacted and cause pain.
• Apply a cold compress (no heat should be used) or ice wrapped in a cloth.
• Administer ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed for pain. Be sure to follow the recommended age and weight dosage guidelines printed on the bottle.
• Do NOT place aspirin on the gums or the aching tooth. This can lead to serious burns.

My Child’s Tooth Has Been Knocked Loose, Chipped Or Fractured?

CALL US RIGHT AWAY! By taking immediate action, we can save the tooth, prevent infection, and even avoid extensive and costly treatments. Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress before heading to the office. If you can locate the missing piece of the tooth, bring it with you to the dentist.

My Child Receives A Severe Blow To The Head Or Jaw Fracture?

CALL 911! This can be life-threatening. Do not move your child unless you are certain there has not been any damage to the spinal cord. Once your child has been treated by emergency services, give us a call so we can determine what treatment is needed on our end.

Give us a call or visit our Post-Op care section if your child is experiencing dental pain that you believe is related to recent dental treatment.