Pediatric Dental Emergencies Howell, NJ
You can never be too careful when it comes to your child’s smile.
If something happens to your child’s mouth or teeth, it can be hard to know whether it is a dental emergency or just a small bump in the road.
Here at Howell Pediatric Dentistry, we want to reassure you that we are always here to help you and your child.
We would much rather see your little one for a quick smile check and find that everything is okay than have you wait when care is truly needed.
At our office, we know that dental surprises can feel scary for both children and parents.
Our goal is to help your child feel calm, comfortable, and safe while we take care of their tiny teeth and growing smiles.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
If you are unsure whether your child is having a dental emergency, here are some helpful guidelines. Remember, if something does not seem right, it is always best to call us so we can help you decide.
If your child has a toothache, start by gently cleaning and rinsing the area with warm water. Sometimes a pesky piece of food gets stuck between the tooth and gums, causing discomfort.
If rinsing does not help or your child continues to have pain, call us right away so we can take a closer look at your child’s smile. A knocked-out baby tooth is usually not an emergency because baby teeth naturally fall out to make room for grown-up teeth.
Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water and keep an eye on the area. If bleeding continues for more than a few minutes, it is important to come in so we can help.
If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, quick action is very important. Carefully pick up the tooth by the top part, not the root. If needed, gently rinse it with water.
If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and have your child softly bite down on clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot place it back, store the tooth in a glass of milk and come see us immediately.
How To Handle Minor Injuries
Sometimes little mouths get small cuts or “oopsie” bites on the cheeks, lips, or tongue. If your child bites the inside of their mouth or has a minor cut, gently press a clean piece of gauze on the area to help stop the bleeding.
If the bleeding continues after several minutes, bring your child in so we can help their mouth heal. A chipped tooth can also need attention. If your child chips a tooth, gently check the area.
If the tooth feels rough, sharp, or causes discomfort, we should see your child right away to smooth and protect their tooth. If there is no pain and the tooth feels smooth, call us to let us know what happened. We will help you decide the next step.
Any strong or unexplained pain should always be treated as a dental emergency. Toothaches, swelling, or injuries that cause significant discomfort should be checked promptly to keep your child’s smile healthy and happy.
If your child has a dental emergency, our caring team at Howell Pediatric Dentistry is ready to help. Call us immediately at (848) 329-5467 if something seems wrong.
We understand that dental surprises happen, and we’re ready to provide gentle care, comfort, and plenty of smiles to help your child feel better quickly.