Dental Emergencies

A toothache typically means the nerve inside the tooth is inflamed or has died, potentially leading to an abscess. There are different types of toothaches, so it's important to observe your child’s symptoms to help the doctor diagnose the cause. Pay attention to factors such as when the pain occurs, what triggers it, whether there is a gum pimple or swelling, and how often the pain occurs. If the pain lasts more than a day, or your child can pinpoint the specific tooth causing discomfort, contact your dentist right away.

To alleviate pain in the meantime, ensure the area around the tooth is clean. You can have your child rinse with warm salt water or use dental floss to remove any food that might be stuck between teeth. DO NOT place aspirin on the tooth or cheek. You may administer children’s Tylenol or Motrin as directed. Orajel may also provide some temporary relief. Any persistent tooth pain should be evaluated by a dentist.

The severity of a chipped tooth can vary based on the size of the chip, the force of the injury, and the stage of the tooth’s root development. If your child chips a tooth and allows you to examine it, check for any active bleeding or a pink color at the point of fracture. Bleeding may occur around the gum, which can contaminate the fracture site. Gently wipe the area with clean gauze and observe. If bleeding is present, contact your dentist immediately. Small fractures may cause sensitivity and require restoration to alleviate symptoms. It’s always best to have a dentist assess any significant tooth fractures.

This injury is common among infants and toddlers as they learn to walk or navigate their environment. When children fall, they can knock their baby teeth into the gum. With baby teeth, treatment is often minimal, as they will typically re-erupt on their own with time. There may be significant bleeding, especially if the tissue is torn. Apply pressure for 5-10 minutes to stop the bleeding. For permanent teeth, treatment may not be necessary depending on the stage of root development. It’s important for your dentist to evaluate any intruded teeth to determine the best treatment plan.

Children may bite their lip or cheek, either due to numbness following dental treatment or as a result of an accident. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze for up to 15 minutes to help stop the bleeding.

If your child knocks out a baby tooth, first confirm that it is a baby tooth. If you're unsure, contact your dentist to verify whether it’s a permanent tooth. Once you've confirmed it’s a baby tooth, gently apply pressure to the area to control any bleeding.

Once a baby tooth is out, it cannot be reinserted. It’s important to follow up with your dentist to assess the injury. Depending on the severity of the incident, other teeth may also be affected. After the injury, keep an eye on your child’s mouth for signs of swelling, infection, or color changes around the affected area.

Locate the tooth and handle it by the top (crown), avoiding contact with the root. You may gently rinse it with water, but do not scrub or touch it unnecessarily. If possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket and have your child bite down on a clean gauze or cloth to keep it in place.

If reinserting the tooth isn’t an option, store it in a cup of milk and seek dental care immediately. Time is crucial for saving the tooth. If you cannot reach your dentist, go to the nearest children's hospital. Call ahead to the emergency room to inform them of the situation before arriving if possible.

Children occasionally get cold sores or canker sores, which can cause discomfort. Over-the-counter treatments can usually provide relief, but it’s important to monitor the situation. If sores persist for more than a few weeks or if multiple sores prevent your child from eating or drinking, a dental evaluation is necessary.

Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, begin below the skin's surface with a tingling, itching, or burning sensation. After a day or so, a red bump appears, blisters, and eventually turns into a cold sore. After a few days, the sore dries up, forming a yellow crust that falls off, leaving a pinkish area behind. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1) virus and are highly contagious. When a cold sore is present, avoid touching it, and always wash hands thoroughly after contact to prevent spreading the virus. The sore typically lasts 7-10 days. Over-the-counter remedies are available, and they are most effective when applied during the initial tingling or itching phase.

Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)

Canker sores are not the same as cold sores but are also common. They can be caused by viral infections, though the exact cause is often unclear. Triggers can include stress, vitamin deficiencies (B-12, Iron, Folic Acid), hormonal changes, food allergies, or injury to the mouth. Canker sores are painful but usually heal within 7-10 days, although larger ones may take up to 1-3 weeks to fully heal. In some cases, multiple sores can appear alongside other illness symptoms like fever, indicating a viral infection.

To alleviate discomfort, avoid hot or spicy foods, which can irritate the sores. Over-the-counter mouthwashes or salt water rinses can help, and topical treatments may soothe the pain. A home remedy includes a mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half water applied directly to the sore using a cotton swab. Another remedy is a small dab of Milk of Magnesia applied 3-4 times a day to the sore. For more severe cases, a mixture of Milk of Magnesia and Benadryl liquid can be swished in the mouth for about a minute (do not swallow).

In extreme cases, prescription treatments such as fluocinonide gel (Lidex) or chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash may be required. Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids can also help. If you are concerned or if the sores are severe, do not hesitate to contact your dentist for further advice.