Emergency Pediatric Dentist San Antonio TX

If you face a dental emergency, give us a call. We have an emergency line for after-hour calls where you are able to leave your information. We are always here to assist when your child’s dental health is at risk. Below are tips on dealing with urgent dental situations.

BITTEN LIP OR TONGUE

If your child has bitten their lip or tongue severely enough to cause bleeding, clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress (a cold, wet towel or washcloth pressed firmly against the area) to reduce or avoid swelling.

OBJECT CAUGHT IN TEETH

If your child has something caught between their teeth, use dental floss to gently remove it. Never use a metal, plastic, or sharp tool to remove a stuck object. If you are unable to remove the item with dental floss, we can see your child in the office as an emergency exam.

BROKEN, CHIPPED, OR FRACTURED TOOTH

If your child has chipped or broken a piece off of their tooth, have them rinse their mouth with warm water, then use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you believe the tooth is an adult (permanent) tooth, try to locate and save the tooth fragment that broke off by placing it in water to keep it hydrated.

KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH

If your child’s adult (permanent) tooth has been knocked out of the mouth, find the tooth and rinse it with water (no soap), taking care to only touch the crown of the tooth (the part you can see when it’s in place). Place the tooth in a clean container with milk or water. Call us immediately and/or head to the hospital. If you act quickly, it’s possible to save the tooth.

Baby (primary) teeth are not reimplanted back in the mouth. However, we are happy to see your child for an emergency exam the following day.

LOOSE TOOTH

If your child has a very loose tooth, it should be removed to avoid being swallowed or inhaled. Encourage your child to wiggle his/her tooth at home.

TOOTHACHE

If your child complains of a toothache, rinse their mouth with warm water and inspect the teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them. If pain continues, use a cold compress to ease the pain. Do not apply heat or any kind of aspirin or topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, as this can cause damage to the gums. Children’s pain relievers may be taken orally. Call during business hours to schedule an appointment immediately.

BROKEN JAW

If you know or suspect your child has sustained a broken jaw, use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Head to the hospital immediately. In many cases a broken jaw is the result of a blow to the head. Severe blows to the head can be dangerous and even life-threatening and should be assessed by a medical team.

AVOIDING INJURY

You can help your child avoid dental emergencies. Child-proof your house to avoid falls. Don’t let your child chew on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods. Always use car seats for young children and require seat belts for older children. And if your child plays contact sports, have them wear a mouthguard. Finally, prevent toothaches with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to our office.