3 Signs Your Child Needs to See an Emergency Pediatric Dentist

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As a parent, it can be difficult to determine if your child needs emergency care for a dental issue. In most cases, children’s dental problems are relatively minor, and parents can usually call a pediatric dentist for advice on next steps for care.

3 Signs Your Child Needs to See an Emergency Pediatric Dentist

However, in circumstances where you notice any of the following symptoms, your child should be seen by an emergency pediatric dentist as soon as possible:

  • A permanent tooth is knocked out. If a permanent tooth falls out of your child’s mouth after an accident or fall, it’s important to see a dentist right away in order to preserve the tooth. Before making your way to the emergency pediatric dentist, you should:
    • Be careful to avoid touching the tooth’s roots.
    • Rinse the tooth with clean water.
    • Put the tooth back into the socket (if possible) and gently hold it there.
    • Put the tooth in a glass of milk if it can’t be put back in place.
  • There is a noticeable amount of swelling and/or pus around the tooth. If you notice pus or swelling surrounding one of your child’s teeth, this can be a sign of an abscess. An abscessed tooth must be professionally drained by an emergency pediatric dentist, and in severe cases, the tooth may have to be entirely removed. Sometimes, antibiotics are needed after treating an abscess to avoid spreading infection.
  • An oral wound won’t stop bleeding. Whether your child lost a baby tooth or was hit in the face while playing a sport, excessive bleeding must be treated by a dentist right away. Some bleeding is perfectly normal, but if the bleeding doesn’t stop after several minutes of applying gentle pressure to the wound, take your child to a dentist as soon as possible.

At Smile Cove Pediatric Dental, our friendly pediatric dentist is prepared to handle everything from urgent dental emergencies to routine oral exams. Reach out to us to set up an appointment for your child today!