Dental Emergencies in Kids: When Should You Call a Pediatric Dentist?
Kids are active, curious, and sometimes a little fearless—which means bumps, falls, and unexpected accidents are part of growing up. But when an accident involves your child’s teeth or mouth, it can be difficult to know whether you should wait and watch or call a pediatric dentist right away.
From a sudden toothache to a chipped or knocked-out tooth, knowing what qualifies as a pediatric dental emergency can help you stay calm and get your child the care they need.
Here are some of the most common dental emergencies in kids and when it’s time to call your pediatric dentist.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency in a Child?
A dental emergency is generally any injury or condition involving your child’s teeth, gums, or mouth that causes significant pain, bleeding, swelling, or potential damage to a tooth.
Some situations need immediate attention, while others may be able to wait for a scheduled dental appointment.
When in doubt, call your pediatric dentist. The dental team can ask questions about your child’s symptoms and help determine how quickly they should be seen.
1. Your Child Has a Severe Toothache
Kids occasionally complain about their teeth hurting, but persistent or severe tooth pain shouldn’t be ignored.
A toothache may be caused by:
- Tooth decay or a cavity
- An infection
- An injured or cracked tooth
- Food trapped between the teeth
- Irritation around a loose tooth
- An erupting permanent tooth
Have your child gently rinse their mouth with water and carefully floss around the tooth to make sure food isn’t trapped between the teeth.
If the pain continues, becomes severe, wakes your child at night, or is accompanied by swelling or fever, contact your pediatric dentist promptly.
2. Your Child Chipped or Broke a Tooth
Falls, sports, playground accidents, and even biting into something hard can cause a child to chip or break a tooth.
Even if your child says the tooth doesn’t hurt, it’s a good idea to have it evaluated. A fracture may extend deeper into the tooth than what you can see.
Call your pediatric dentist for guidance.
3. Your Child Knocked Out a Tooth
A knocked-out tooth can definitely feel like an emergency—and in some cases, it is.
What you should do next depends on whether your child lost a baby tooth or a permanent tooth.
If It’s a Baby Tooth
Do not try to put a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket. Doing so could potentially damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Call your pediatric dentist so they can determine whether your child needs to be examined.
If It’s a Permanent Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires urgent dental attention.
Call your pediatric dentist immediately for instructions. Acting quickly may improve the chances of saving the tooth.
4. Your Child’s Face or Gums Are Swollen
Swelling around a tooth or along the gums can sometimes indicate a dental infection or abscess.
You may also notice:
- Significant tooth pain
- Red or swollen gums
- A small bump on the gum
- Drainage or an unusual taste in the mouth
- Fever
- Swelling of the cheek or jaw
Dental infections should not be ignored. Contact your pediatric dentist promptly if your child develops swelling or other signs of infection.
If your child has significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or appears seriously ill, seek immediate medical attention.
5. Your Child Has a Loose Tooth After an Injury
A naturally loose baby tooth is usually nothing to worry about. A tooth that suddenly becomes loose after a fall or injury is different.
If a permanent tooth has been pushed, loosened, or moved out of position, contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Try to keep your child from wiggling or touching the tooth until it can be evaluated.
When Should You Call a Pediatric Dentist?
Call your pediatric dentist when your child experiences significant dental pain, an injured tooth, swelling, signs of infection, or any dental problem that concerns you.
You don’t have to determine on your own whether something is a “true” emergency. Calling the dental office allows the team to help assess the situation and recommend the appropriate next step.
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist for a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can be scary for children, especially when they’re already in pain.
Pediatric dentists have specialized training in caring for infants, children, and adolescents. They understand developing teeth and know how to evaluate injuries involving both baby and permanent teeth.
Just as importantly, a pediatric dental office is designed around the needs of children, helping make an unexpected dental visit feel a little less overwhelming.
Need an Emergency Pediatric Dentist in Alexandria, LA?
Dental emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. Knowing who to call before something happens can make an unexpected situation much easier to handle.
If your child develops a severe toothache, breaks or injures a tooth, experiences swelling, or has another dental emergency, contact our Alexandria, LA pediatric dental office for guidance.
Our team is here to help you understand what to do next and determine whether your child should be seen right away.
When it comes to your child’s smile, it’s always okay to call and ask.
