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What to do in a Dental Emergency

Kids are prone to accidents, and dental mishaps are no exception. From falls to sports injuries, dental incidents can be stressful for both parents and children. Fear not – we've got you covered! Keep reading to learn how to manage typical dental emergencies and when it's essential to contact us for a same-day appointment.

After Hours Care

If your child experiences a dental emergency after hours, call or text Dr. Laura on her cell phone at 513-207-0159. If your child loses consciousness or is bleeding uncontrollably, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Tongue or Lip Bite

Oops! If your little one accidentally bites his/her tongue or lip hard enough to see some blood, first, gently clean the area with water. Next, use a cold compress to keep swelling at bay. If you’re worried about the amount of blood or it won’t stop, give us a call, and we'll help you figure out if it's something to worry about.

Cracked or Chipped Permanent Tooth

Oh no! Find any large tooth fragments and pop them into a glass milk (not water) to keep them from drying up. Have your child rinse their mouth with lukewarm water and use dental wax from the pharmacy to cover any sharp edges until we’re able to see them at their appointment.

Permanent Tooth Knocked Out

Act fast! Time is of the essence here. To boost the chances of saving the tooth, it’s best to try to see us within an hour of the injury. Locate the tooth, hold it by the crown (the part usually visible in the mouth, not the roots), and give it a gentle rinse if it's dirty. For kids over age 6, try to put the tooth back into its socket the right way. If that's not possible, place it in a glass of milk to keep it moist.

Fractured or Knocked Out Baby Tooth

Don't panic! Baby teeth are meant to fall out. If one is knocked out before it’s meant to fall out, it’s not necessarily an emergency. Find the broken fragment or entire tooth if it's come out completely. Give us a call to set up an appointment for a dental x-ray and/or to smooth any sharp edges of the injured tooth.

Aching Tooth

Ouch! Give your child some over-the-counter pain medicine (as instructed) until they visit us. Keep an eye on the gums around the sore tooth for swelling and steer clear of foods that require lots of chewing.

Here for you!

Many children's dental injuries can be managed at home, but it's crucial to know when to contact the dentist. Use the tips here for any surprise injuries, and always remember – our team is here to support your child's dental health and well being!