It’s every parent’s nightmare: a child’s sudden cry of pain, a chipped tooth or blood from the mouth after a fall. In those moments, panic sets in and the question becomes: Does my child need urgent dental care? Knowing what’s a true emergency and what can wait until business hours can make all the difference in getting the right help and keeping your child comfortable and safe.
In the following article, we’ll walk through what to look out for, what to do and when it’s time to call on the experts.
Understanding Dental Emergencies In Children
When your child has a dental emergency, it can be both upsetting and confusing. However, knowing what to look for and how to respond can take a lot of the stress out of the situation. Most emergencies happen during everyday activities, such as playing sports, rough play at home or biting down on something too hard. Sometimes, an existing dental issue can suddenly get worse and turn into something more serious.
Why Quick Action Is Important
Getting help quickly is key. Acting early can reduce the risk of infection, ease your child’s discomfort and even save a tooth. It also helps protect their long-term oral health. Leaving things too long can make the problem worse and lead to more involved treatment later on, so it is always worth giving your dentist a call even if you are unsure.
Common Types Of Dental Emergencies In Children
Let’s explore some of the most common dental emergencies we treat in kids and what they might look like.
Broken Or Chipped Teeth
A trampoline tumble or a knock from a cricket bat can easily lead to a chipped or broken tooth. If your child is experiencing pain, bleeding or sensitivity, it is important to get urgent dental care. In many cases, a dental professional can restore the tooth with minimal fuss.
Knocked-out Tooth
If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, acting fast can make all the difference. Pick up the tooth carefully, holding it at the crown, not at the root. Place the tooth in milk or saline to help preserve it. Most importantly, never put the tooth in plain water, as the cells on the root surface will be damaged, significantly reducing the chance of successful re-implantation.Call us straight away so we can guide you on what to do next.
If it is a baby tooth, do not try to put it back in. Call us to make a short appointment so we can examine the area and make sure there are no other issues.
Severe Toothaches
Persistent or severe tooth pain may point to a deeper problem like an infection, injury or advanced decay. If your child is having trouble eating or sleeping and there is swelling or a fever, it is important to seek urgent dental care as soon as possible.
Lost Fillings Or Crowns
When a filling or crown falls out, it can leave the tooth exposed and more vulnerable. Even if there is no pain right away, it is important to have it checked as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
Injuries To Soft Tissues (Gums, Lips, Tongue etc.)
Bleeding from the mouth, cuts on the gums or a bitten tongue can all be alarming. Most minor injuries can be treated at home with gentle pressure and a cool compress. However, if the bleeding won’t stop or if the wound is deep, seek professional care promptly.
Non-Emergency Dental Issues And How To Handle Them
Not every issue is a dental emergency. Some issues can wait for a regular appointment and knowing what to do in the meantime can help keep your child comfortable until then.
Minor Tooth Sensitivity
Your child may feel pain when eating something cold or sugary, which could be a sign of early enamel wear or a small cavity. It’s usually not urgent, but it’s still a good idea to schedule a dental check-up to have it looked at.
Small, Pain-Free Chips
If your child chips a tooth but isn’t in pain, it’s likely a cosmetic concern. It’s still wise to have it assessed, especially if it’s sharp or at risk of worsening, but it can wait a day or two.
Loose Baby Teeth
Loose teeth are part of growing up, but if a baby tooth becomes very wobbly after an accident or if there’s bleeding or your child is in distress, a check-up can help rule out damage to permanent teeth.
Occasional Mild Discomfort
A tooth that aches a little now and then, especially when chewing, may point to early decay. Make an appointment soon. Emergency care is unlikely in this situation unless the pain worsens, but the causes of any discomfort need to be explored by a dentist.
Orthodontic Concerns (Such As Loose Braces, Brackets etc.)
Issues like loose brackets, bent wires or damaged retainers are usually not urgent. Using orthodontic wax and eating softer foods can help manage discomfort until your child’s next appointment. If you’re concerned or unsure about the best course of action, it’s always a good idea to contact your orthodontist for their advice.
First Steps To Take During A Dental Emergency
If your child is in distress, here’s what you can do while arranging urgent dental care.
Stay Calm And Assess The Situation
Your child will look to you for reassurance. Take a breath, have a quick look inside their mouth to try to pinpoint the issue. Is there bleeding? Can they open and close their mouth properly? Are they in serious pain?
Immediate Care Tips For Common Emergencies
- For broken teeth: Rinse with warm water. Use a cold pack on the cheek to reduce swelling.
- For knocked-out teeth: Place the tooth in milk and contact us immediately.
- For toothaches: For pain relief, you can give your child Panadol or Nurofen, making sure the dosage is right for their age and weight as per the packaging. If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist. Avoid giving medication within two hours of a dental appointment, as it can hide symptoms your dentist needs to see for an accurate diagnosis.
- For bleeding gums or cuts: Use clean cloth or gauze to apply gentle pressure.
Preventative Measures
While not every injury can be avoided, many dental emergencies are preventable with a few smart habits.
Protective Gear For Sports
Children who play contact or high-risk sports should always wear a custom-fitted mouthguard. It’s one of the best ways to prevent broken or knocked-out teeth.
Regular Dental Check-Ups And Oral Hygiene Habits
Routine dental visits help prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Brushing twice daily, flossing and avoiding overly hard or sticky foods also protect your child’s teeth from damage.
Choose Midland Dental Hub For Your Child’s Emergency Care
When your child is in pain, you want trusted professionals who can help quickly. At Midland Dental Hub, we offer emergency appointments and expert care for little smiles.
Our Expertise With Pediatric Emergencies
Our team understands the unique needs of children. We focus on making them feel safe and comfortable from the moment they walk through the door. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth or a sudden toothache, we’re here with gentle care and effective solutions.
How To Reach Us During An Emergency
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, call us straight away. We’ll guide you through first aid steps over the phone and do our best to see your child as soon as possible.
You’ll find Midland Dental Hub centrally located, with easy parking and access to public transport. We do our best to accommodate emergency visits. Even if you are unsure whether it is urgent, give us a call. Our team is here to help!
Ready for your next dental checkup? Schedule an appointment with Midland’s best dentist.