Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, especially with active children. At Nickel Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Andrew Nickel and our team are prepared to help families respond quickly and effectively when urgent dental situations occur.

We provide 24/7 access to a doctor for patients of record through our emergency call service for true dental emergencies. Acting quickly and knowing what steps to take can often help protect your child’s teeth and prevent further complications.

What Should I Do If My Child Has a Toothache?

If your child complains of a toothache, begin by gently cleaning the affected area. Rinse the mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food that may be trapped between the teeth.

If the pain continues, contact Nickel Pediatric Dentistry so Dr. Andrew Nickel can evaluate the problem. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as this can irritate the surrounding tissue.

What Should I Do If My Child Bites Their Lip, Tongue, or Cheek?

Soft tissue injuries are common during childhood activities. If your child bites or cuts their lip, tongue, or cheek:

• Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling
• Use clean gauze or cloth to apply gentle pressure to control bleeding
• Continue pressure for about 15 minutes

If bleeding does not stop or cannot be controlled, seek care at the nearest hospital emergency room.

What Should I Do If a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out?

If your child’s permanent tooth is knocked out, time is extremely important.

Follow these steps immediately:

• Find the tooth and handle it by the crown, not the root
• Rinse the tooth gently with cold water if dirty
• Do not scrub the tooth or remove tissue from the root
• If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and have your child bite on gauze to hold it in place

If reinsertion is not possible, place the tooth in milk or saliva and contact Nickel Pediatric Dentistry immediately. Quick treatment can greatly improve the chances of saving the tooth.

What If My Child’s Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out?

If a baby tooth is knocked out, contact our office for guidance. In most cases, baby teeth are not reinserted, but Dr. Andrew Nickel will evaluate the situation to determine if treatment or monitoring is needed.

What Should I Do If a Tooth Is Chipped or Broken?

If your child chips or fractures a tooth, contact our office as soon as possible. A quick evaluation can help prevent infection and reduce the risk of further damage.

In the meantime:

• Rinse the mouth gently with water
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Save any broken pieces of the tooth and bring them to the appointment

What If My Child May Have a Broken Jaw?

If your child experiences trauma that may involve a fractured jaw, keep the jaw from moving and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room.

How Can Dental Emergencies Be Prevented?

While accidents can happen, many dental injuries can be reduced by following a few preventive measures:

• Childproof your home to help prevent falls
• Avoid allowing children to chew hard objects such as ice or popcorn kernels
• Use proper car seats and seat belts when traveling
• Encourage children to wear mouthguards during contact sports
• Maintain regular dental visits for preventive care

Dr. Andrew Nickel can also discuss custom mouthguards to help protect your child’s teeth during sports activities.