Dental Emergencies in Children — What to Do

Accidents happen — especially with kids. Whether it’s a fall on the playground, a sports mishap, or a sudden toothache in the middle of the night, knowing how to respond in a dental emergency can make all the difference. At Sweet Water Dentistry in Fairhope, Alabama, we’re here to help you stay calm, act quickly, and get your child the care they need — when they need it most.

In this post, we’ll walk you through common dental emergencies in children, what to do in the moment, and how we provide fast, compassionate emergency dental care for families in the Fairhope area.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral health issue that causes pain, bleeding, trauma, or risk of permanent damage — and needs prompt attention. In children, this can include:

• Knocked-out teeth
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Toothaches or infections
• Lost fillings or crowns
• Soft tissue injuries (lips, cheeks, gums)
• Objects stuck between teeth
• Jaw injuries or swelling

If your child is in pain or bleeding — or you’re unsure whether it’s urgent — call us right away at 251-210-2773. We’ll guide you through the next steps and get you in as soon as possible.

Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies & What to Do

🚨 1. Knocked-Out Tooth (Permanent Tooth)

Act fast! Time is critical — reimplantation is most successful within 30–60 minutes.

What to do:

• Rinse the tooth gently with milk or water (don’t scrub).
• Try to reinsert it into the socket if your child is calm.
• If not possible, place the tooth in milk or saliva (not water).
• Call or text us immediately at 251-210-2773 and come in ASAP.

📝 Note: Baby teeth are not reimplanted, but we still need to evaluate the area to prevent complications.

🚨 2. Chipped or Fractured Tooth

This is common in active kids — and often very treatable.

What to do:

• Rinse your child’s mouth gently with warm water.
• Save any tooth fragments in a clean container with milk or saline.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Call us to schedule a same-day visit.

🦷 We can often repair chipped teeth with bonding or smoothing techniques.

🚨 3. Toothache

Tooth pain can be caused by decay, infection, food lodged between teeth, or erupting molars.

What to do:

• Rinse the mouth with warm saltwater.
• Gently floss to remove trapped food.
• Apply a cold compress if swollen.
• Give children’s Tylenol or Motrin for pain relief — but never place aspirin on the tooth.
• Call us for an appointment — we’ll identify the cause and treat it quickly.

🚨 4. Dental Abscess or Swelling

Facial swelling or a bump near the gums may indicate a serious infection.

What to do:

• Do not attempt to pop or drain the abscess.
• Rinse gently with warm saltwater.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face.
• Call us immediately — infections can spread quickly if untreated.

💉 We may prescribe antibiotics or perform a gentle procedure to relieve pressure.

🚨 5. Bitten Lip or Tongue

This often happens during a fall or after dental work when the mouth is still numb.

What to do:

• Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding.
• Use a cold compress to minimize swelling.
• If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10–15 minutes, seek medical attention.
• If swelling is significant, give us a call for evaluation.

🚨 6. Object Stuck Between Teeth

It’s common for children to get food, string, or even small toys caught between teeth.

What to do:

• Gently try to remove the object with floss.
• Never use sharp tools like toothpicks, tweezers, or metal.
• If you can’t remove it, call us — we’ll take care of it safely and quickly.

How Sweet Water Dentistry Handles Dental Emergencies

We know emergencies don’t happen on a schedule. That’s why we offer:

✅ Same-day emergency appointments
✅ After-hours support when possible
✅ Fast, gentle treatment for kids of all ages
✅ Comfort-focused care to calm nerves and reduce fear
✅ Clear communication with parents throughout the process

Whether it’s a chipped tooth or a swollen face, we’re here to care for your child like one of our own — quickly, kindly, and with complete transparency.

Tips to Prevent Dental Emergencies in Children

While not every emergency is avoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce risk:

🛡️ Use a Mouthguard for Sports
Custom-fit mouthguards protect teeth during soccer, baseball, basketball, and other contact activities.

🪥 Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings help prevent toothaches and decay.

🥤 Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Too much sugar increases the risk of cavities and infection.

👶 Childproof the Home
Cover sharp furniture corners and avoid letting toddlers run while eating or holding objects in their mouths.

👄 Discourage Oral Habits
Stop children from chewing on pens, ice, fingernails, or other non-food items.

Keep Our Number Handy — Just in Case

We hope you’ll never need emergency dental care — but if you do, Sweet Water Dentistry is ready to help.

To schedule a consultation and learn more about your dental implant options, contact Sweet Water Dentistry today!

Visit us for expert care:

Sweet Water Dentistry
📍 5915 Sweetwater Cir, Fairhope, AL 36532
🌐 sweetwatersmile.com
📞 Call or Text: (251) 210-2773

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We’re here when you need us most — to protect your child’s health, comfort, and beautiful smile.