We are here for you at KidzVil Pediatric Dentistry, especially during emergencies.
It’s very important to be prepared in case your child has a dental emergency. Even though we wish they wouldn’t happen, emergencies do occur. Being educated and knowing what to do in an emergency can be the difference between losing and saving a tooth. You should also always keep your dentist’s phone number, (561) 845-7374, handy.
Contact us right away if you’re having an emergency. If we’re not open, go to the nearest emergency center.
If your child loses a permanent tooth, it’s important to keep it wet until you get to the dentist. If possible, place it back into the socket. If that’s too painful, have your child keep it between their cheek and gums, or place it in milk to try to preserve it. Please do not put the tooth in your child’s mouth if you’re concerned that they might swallow it.
In the case of a cracked tooth or a bitten tongue or lip, always have your child rinse out their mouth with warm water. A warm compress will help reduce swelling. If your child has something stuck between their teeth, gently use floss to remove it, rather than trying with something sharp. To avoid Reye’s syndrome, children should not be given aspirin for pain.
Children should always wear a mouthguard during sports and other physical activities to protect their teeth. They should also avoid chewing hard foods like hard candy, ice, and popcorn kernels, since these can break teeth. Both children and adults should use scissors instead of their teeth to cut or tear things.
Many dental injuries can happen at home too, which is why we recommend keeping up with regular dental exams so we can catch and address any developing issues before they become emergencies.
If you have a dental emergency, contact us immediately at (561) 845-7374.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth gets knocked out?
Keep the tooth wet, and if possible, place it back into the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or between your child’s cheek and gums, and get to the dentist right away.
What should I do if my child chips or cracks a tooth?
Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, then contact our office as soon as possible.
Can I give my child aspirin for dental pain?
No. Aspirin should not be given to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Use an age-appropriate pain reliever instead and contact our office.
What should I do if my child has something stuck between their teeth?
Gently use dental floss to remove it. Avoid using sharp objects, which can injure the gums or teeth.
How can I help prevent dental emergencies?
Have your child wear a mouthguard during sports, avoid hard foods like ice and hard candy, and use scissors instead of teeth to cut or tear things.
What should I do if my dental emergency happens outside office hours?
If we’re not open, go to the nearest emergency center for immediate care, then follow up with our office as soon as possible.