Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Advice from our Pediatric Dentists in Bridgeport, Shelton & Westport

The pediatric dentists at Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics are here to help you in case of a dental emergency. We understand how frightening an emergency can be, no matter how big or small.

Our pediatric dentists and team are here in case of any incident involving your child’s teeth and mouth, and are ready to provide care in the safest and most comforting way.

Emergency Care At Home

Though some dental emergencies require immediate attention from a professional, many incidents or situations can be initially cared for at home. In other cases, there are things you can do before coming to our office to help ease the situation. If your child experiences any of the following emergencies at home or on the playing field, please read about what you can do as a parent to address the situation first.

Broken Tooth

Rinse dirt from the injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention may be necessary.

If the tooth is sensitive or sharp, you can go to a pharmacy and get dental wax or temporary dental cement to cover the area. Make sure your child does not have allergies to any of the ingredients.

Pain

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Aleve, and Nuprin can take the edge off until you get definitive treatment. Make sure your child does not have allergies or medical contra-indications to any of the ingredients.

Swelling

Rinse as frequently as possible with salt water that’s as hot as your child can tolerate. Do NOT put heat on your child’s face, because this can make things worse.

Toothache

Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Give acetaminophen for pain and contact us as soon as possible.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take your child to a hospital emergency room.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

Find the tooth. Handle the tooth ONLY by the crown (top), NOT the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but DO NOT clean or handle it unnecessarily. Try to reinsert it in its socket. Have your child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport it in a cup containing milk or water. Contact Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics as IMMEDIATELY as possible! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth!

Possible Broken Jaw

If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, handkerchief, or tie, then take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Bleeding After Baby Tooth Falls Out

Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have your child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once; if extensive bleeding persists, contact Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics.

Cold/Canker Sores

Many children occasionally suffer from these sores. Usually, over-the-counter preparations give relief. Because some serious diseases begin as sores, it is important to contact Commerce Park Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics for an evaluation if the sores persist.

Contact Our Bridgeport, Shelton & Westport, CT Children's Dental Offices

If you have any questions about how to care for your child after a dental emergency, or if your child has experienced a serious one, please give our offices a call. Dental emergencies are rare but they do happen, and when they do, Commerce Park Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to help you!