Children’s Emergency Dental Care in Totowa, NJ
It’s important to be prepared in case your child has a dental emergency. Even though we wish they wouldn’t, accidents happen during play, sports, and everyday life. Knowing what to do can be the difference between losing and saving a tooth. If your child has a dental emergency, contact Dental Arts of Totowa right away at (973) 942-3233. Keep our number handy so you can reach us quickly in Totowa, NJ.
Common Childhood Dental Emergencies
- Knocked-out baby or permanent teeth
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Severe toothaches
- Cuts or injuries to the lips, tongue, or cheeks
- Swelling or signs of infection
- Objects stuck between the teeth
What to Do in an Emergency
Knocked-out permanent tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water and, if possible, place it back in the socket and have your child bite on clean gauze. If that isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk and call us immediately. Time is critical.
Knocked-out baby tooth: Do not try to reinsert a baby tooth, since this can damage the developing adult tooth. Call us for an evaluation.
Chipped or broken tooth: Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water, save any pieces, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Toothache: Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove trapped food. Never place aspirin on the gums.
Mouth injuries: Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding and use a cold compress for swelling.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
If we are not open, or if your child has a head injury, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that won’t stop, go to the nearest emergency center right away.
Preventing Dental Injuries
Have your child wear a mouthguard during sports, childproof your home for toddlers, and keep up with regular oral health exams to catch cavities before they cause painful emergencies. Damaged teeth can often be repaired with pediatric restorative dentistry or fillings. Adults can find help on our emergency care page.
Children’s Dental Emergency FAQs
What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?
Hold it by the crown, rinse gently, try to place it back in the socket or store it in milk, and call (973) 942-3233 immediately.
Should I put a knocked-out baby tooth back in?
No. Reinserting a baby tooth can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Call us for an evaluation.
What should I do if my child chips a tooth?
Rinse with warm water, save any pieces, apply a cold compress, and call our office.
When should I go to the emergency room instead?
Go to the ER for head injuries, trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or if our office is closed.
How can I prevent dental injuries in kids?
Use a mouthguard for sports, supervise young children during play, and keep regular dental checkups.
Is a toothache in a child an emergency?
A persistent toothache, especially with swelling or fever, should be evaluated promptly.
Help for Your Child’s Dental Emergency
If your child has a dental injury or toothache, call Dental Arts of Totowa right away at (973) 942-3233.