Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, especially with kids. From playground accidents to sudden toothaches in the middle of the night, it can be difficult to know when a situation requires urgent dental care and when it can wait for a regular appointment. But knowing the signs that you need a pediatric emergency dentist can help you make quick and informed decisions. Dr. Daniel Moheban is here to protect your child’s oral health and comfort with emergency dentistry care.
Understanding What Constitutes a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency involves any situation where your child is in significant pain, has experienced trauma to the mouth or teeth, or is at risk of infection or permanent damage. You can monitor some oral health issues for a day or two. Others require immediate intervention to prevent more serious complications.
A good rule of thumb is that if your child is bleeding heavily, has severe pain, or has lost a permanent tooth, you should seek emergency dental care right away. Our dentists at Children’s Dental Specialties will help you and your child in the event of a dental emergency.
Accidents and Tooth Trauma
Children are naturally active, and accidents are bound to happen. If your child experiences a fall, sports injury, or collision that results in a knocked-out, chipped, or loosened tooth, treat it as an emergency. We can sometimes re-implant a knocked-out permanent tooth if you reach us within an hour.
Even if the tooth hasn’t been lost entirely, trauma can cause internal damage that isn’t visible right away. If your child complains of tooth sensitivity, pain when biting, or you notice discoloration after an injury, schedule an emergency dental visit. Quick care could prevent infection or long-term damage to the tooth and gums.
Severe Toothaches
Not all toothaches require emergency care. But severe, persistent pain that interferes with eating, sleeping, or talking is a red flag. This could indicate an abscess, decay that has reached the nerve, or another underlying issue that needs immediate attention.
Children often can’t describe the pain in detail. You should watch for signs like swelling around the jaw, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth, all of which could suggest infection. If left untreated, these conditions can spread quickly and lead to more serious health problems.
Swelling and Infections
Facial swelling around the cheeks, jaw, or under the eyes can be a sign of a serious dental infection. If your child’s face begins to swell and they’re in pain, visit our emergency dentist.
Dental infections can progress rapidly. In some cases, they can spread to other parts of the body. Your child needs immediate treatment to control the infection, relieve pain, and prevent complications.
Bleeding That Won’t Stop
It’s normal for there to be a little bleeding if your child loses a baby tooth or bumps their mouth. However, if the bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop after 10 to 15 minutes of applying pressure, this may be a sign of a gum, tongue, or cheek injury. Emergency dental care or even a trip to the ER may be necessary to stop the bleeding and prevent infection.
What to Do While You Wait
If you’re heading to the emergency dentist, try to keep your child calm and comfortable. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and relieve pain. If a tooth has been knocked out, handle it carefully and store it properly. Avoid giving your child aspirin, as this can increase bleeding. Use a child-safe pain reliever if necessary and only as directed.
Trust your instincts. As a parent, you know your child best. If something feels wrong, don’t hesitate to call our emergency dental clinic. It’s always better to seek care and find out it’s a minor issue than to wait and allow a serious problem to get worse. Fast action can make all the difference to protect your child’s overall health.
Call Our Pediatric Dentist Office Today
At Children’s Dental Specialties, we’re here to help your child protect their oral health. Dental emergencies for children can look and feel different than those in adults. But knowing how to respond in the right situation could prevent worsening damage. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how to keep your child’s oral health safe.