Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Parents can manage pediatric dental emergencies by staying calm, providing immediate first aid, and contacting Little Love Pediatric Dentistry promptly. These steps minimize pain, preserve teeth, and prevent complications based on standard guidelines. Quick action improves outcomes, especially for time-sensitive injuries like avulsed teeth. Download the toothSOS app for step-by-step guidance.

Check Your Child’s Condition:
Look for serious signs like heavy bleeding, trouble breathing or swallowing, unconsciousness, or severe swelling. If these happen, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Knocked-Out Tooth:
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, carefully pick it up by the top (not the root). If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with water—don’t scrub. Try to gently place it back in the socket if you can. If not, put the tooth in a container with milk or saliva to keep it moist, and get to your dentist within 20 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
Note: Do not try to put baby (primary) teeth back in; call Dr. Sun instead.

Loose or Displaced Teeth:
If the tooth is pushed out of position or feels loose, try to gently reposition it if possible. Dr. Sun will stabilize it with a flexible splint.

Chipped or Broken Teeth:
Rinse your child’s mouth gently with warm water. Try to save any tooth pieces and take them to the dentist. Apply a cold compress to ease swelling or pain.

Pain or Bleeding:
Use a clean cloth or gauze to apply gentle pressure if there’s bleeding. For pain, use age-appropriate over-the-counter pain medicine and a cold pack to reduce swelling.

Mouthguards:
Use mouthguards for sports, supervise play, and schedule regular checkups at Little Love to catch issues early.

Follow-Up Care

Dr. Sun will recommend the best treatment and schedule check-ups to monitor healing, which may last several months or more.

Be Prepared

• Have your Dr. Sun’s emergency number handy 904-622-0555.
  
  
• Keep a dental emergency kit with gauze, a container for teeth, and cold packs.
  
  
• Teach your child to wear mouthguards during sports.
  
  

Remember, quick and proper care can save a tooth and prevent long-term problems. If in doubt, always call Dr. Sun immediately.