Little Smiles Sometimes Have Big Emergencies. We’re Here to Help!
Accidents happen, especially with children! Whether it’s a tumble on the playground, a bump during sports, or a sudden toothache, we know that dental emergencies can be scary for both kids and parents.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone!
Our caring dental team is here to help guide you through those unexpected bumps and ouchies. If your child experiences a dental emergency, give us a call right away at (352) 241-6333. We do our best to accommodate urgent dental needs when our office is available and help your little one get the care they need.
After hours? Call our office at (352) 241-6333. Our phone system will give you a direct number to reach one of our doctors.
Some emergencies need immediate attention. If your child has a knocked-out permanent tooth, seek dental care immediately, even if you can’t reach our office. Every minute counts!
Safety first! If your child is having trouble breathing or swallowing, has severe or uncontrolled bleeding, a serious head injury, or rapidly spreading facial swelling (especially with fever or illness), call 911 or seek emergency medical care right away.
What to Do When Little Dental Emergencies Happen
A little know-how can make a BIG difference! When an unexpected dental injury happens, knowing what to do can help protect your child’s smile. Here are some helpful tips until your little one can receive professional care.
A Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: Every Minute Counts!
If your child knocks out a permanent (adult) tooth, acting quickly can make a big difference in saving their smile!
- Handle with care! Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part you normally see), never by the root.
- Give it a gentle rinse! If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline. Avoid scrubbing or touching the root, and don’t let the tooth dry out.
- Put it back if it’s safe! If your child is alert and old enough to cooperate, gently place the permanent tooth back into its socket without forcing it. Have your child gently bite on clean gauze or a soft cloth to hold it in place. Never attempt this if there is a risk of choking or swallowing the tooth.
- Keep it safe and moist! If you can’t safely put the tooth back, place it in a container of milk or a tooth-preservation solution, such as Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution. Saline or your child’s saliva may also be used. Never store the tooth dry or in plain water.
Most importantly, seek immediate dental care! The sooner your child receives treatment, the better the chance of saving their tooth.
A Knocked-Out Baby Tooth: Leave It for the Tooth Fairy!
If your little one knocks out a baby tooth, do not try to put it back in! Replacing a baby tooth can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath.
Give our office a call so we can evaluate the injury and make sure everything is healing properly.
A Chipped or Broken Tooth: Oops!
Whether it’s a little chip or a bigger break, we’re here to help get that smile back on track!
- Gently rinse your child’s mouth with water.
- Apply a cold compress to help with any swelling.
- Save any broken tooth pieces if you can find them.
- Give us a call promptly so we can evaluate the injury and determine the best way to care for your child’s smile.
A Toothache: Let’s Get That Little Smile Feeling Better!
Nobody likes a toothache, especially our little ones! If your child is complaining of tooth pain, here are a few things you can do:
- Gently rinse their mouth with warm water.
- Carefully floss around the sore tooth to remove any trapped food.
- Never place aspirin directly on the gums or tooth.
- Call our office if the pain continues or swelling develops.
If your child develops facial swelling with fever, difficulty swallowing, or rapidly worsening swelling, seek emergency medical care immediately.
A Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek: Ouch!
Little slips, falls, and accidental bites happen! Mouth injuries can sometimes look especially scary because even small cuts may bleed quite a bit.
- Apply firm, continuous pressure with clean gauze or a soft cloth to help stop the bleeding.
- Use a cold compress to help reduce swelling and keep your little one comfortable.
- If minor bleeding doesn’t stop after sustained pressure, seek urgent care.
For severe or uncontrolled bleeding or a serious injury, seek emergency medical care immediately. Don’t wait to see if it improves on its own.
When in Doubt, Give Us a Call!
Your child’s smile is always important to us! We understand how upsetting a dental emergency can be, and we’re here to help make those unexpected moments a little less stressful.
Whether it’s a chipped tooth, a sudden toothache, or an unexpected playground mishap, our goal is to help your child feel comfortable, cared for, and smiling again as soon as possible.
Have a dental emergency? Call our friendly team at (352) 241-6333. We’re here to help protect those precious little smiles!
Protecting Your Child’s Smile During Sports
Play hard, have fun, and keep those pearly whites safe! From scoring the winning goal to hitting a home run, we love seeing our young athletes having fun and staying active! But sports can sometimes come with unexpected bumps and tumbles, and we want to help keep those precious smiles safe along the way.
One of the best ways to protect your child’s teeth during sports is with a custom-fitted mouthguard! Designed especially for your child’s smile, a custom mouthguard provides a comfortable, secure fit and helps reduce the risk of chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.
Whether your child is a future superstar or just loves being part of the team, protecting their smile is always a winning play!
Ask us about a custom mouthguard at your child’s next visit. Let’s keep those young athletes smiling both on and off the field!
Dental Emergency? Call Us Now.
Our team will help you decide what to do next and get your child seen as quickly as possible.
TOP PEDIATRIC DENTIST IN CLERMONT
Serving Clermont's Families for over 20 years
We are currently accepting new patients and very excited to work with you and your child.