Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Parents can read about emergency pediatric dentistry in Lutz, FL, to stay prepared.

Recognizing Dental Emergencies

Kids can play rough sometimes, and it's not always easy to tell when you're dealing with a dental emergency or a minor incident. Mild sensitivity and minor toothaches, for example, don't need urgent treatment, and you can often wait a few days for an appointment. A barely chipped baby tooth that isn't causing pain does deserve a trip to the dentist, but it doesn't have to happen on the same day.

However, there are a few times when you should call your dentist for an immediate appointment. Here are some common types of dental trauma to be aware of:

• Severe, consistent toothaches
• A knocked-out tooth
• Broken or fractured teeth
• Dental abscesses, or pus-filled bumps on the gums
• A large object stuck in the teeth, especially when the mouth can't close around it
• Bleeding around the gums



If you notice any of the red flags above, you're dealing with an emergency. If you're not sure, call your dentist! Their staff can often help you figure out your next moves.

Your first step should always be seeking emergency pediatric dentistry. Many dentists will be able to see you on the same day or after hours if your child needs treatment, but you might still have to wait a bit. In the meantime, here's what to do:

Keep Calm

Your child will respond to your stress or fear, so help them stay calm by doing so yourself. Assess the situation without overreacting and treat them as best you can.

Preserve the Tooth

If your child's tooth has fractured, broken, or come out, try to find and save it. Pick it up by the crown without touching the root, rinse it with a bit of water, and place it in a cup with enough milk to cover it.

You can try to replace the tooth on your own or let your dentist reinsert it. This often has to be done within 30-60 minutes.

Clean Your Child's Mouth

Cleaning your child's mouth can remove any debris or bacteria inside it, reducing the risk of infection.

Start by brushing and flossing their teeth, especially if you think anything might have gotten caught between them. Be gentle! If they are old enough to do so without swallowing, have your child do a salt water rinse.

Leave (Some) Objects in Place

If your child has gotten an object stuck in their tooth, you can try to remove it gently with your hands. Never try to use any tools. If you can't remove it, leave it in place for your child's dentist to address.

Treat Any Pain or Bleeding

If you're dealing with a toothache or dental trauma that is causing your child pain, there are a few ways to help.

First, offer them a cold compress to place on the outside of their mouth. Follow the best practices for ice therapy and only let them use this compress for 15-20 minutes at a time.

You can also give them non-NSAID over-the-counter pain relievers like children's Tylenol.



If the area around the tooth is bleeding, place some gauze over it and hold it down (or have them hold it) as best you can for a few minutes. If your child is old enough not to swallow it, you can have them leave the gauze in place over a fractured tooth with sharp edges to prevent scratches on the inside of their mouth.

When to Visit an Emergency Room

In some cases, pediatric dentistry isn't the best option for your child.

If their dental trauma, infection, or inflammation is serious enough to impact your child's health, visit the emergency room instead. You should do this if your child has a high fever, struggles to eat or breathe, has severe cuts or a possible bone fracture, or has serious inflammation.



You can also visit the hospital if you ever have a hard time reaching emergency dentists in Lutz, FL. The medical staff at the emergency room won't be able to address the dental concerns you have, but they can help with pain, swelling, and any life-threatening conditions. Once this is under control, you can focus on getting a dentist appointment.

Preventing Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Kids are bundles of constant energy. It's hard to keep them safe from every kind of accident, fall, infection, or other oral condition. Still, there's a lot you can do to prevent many of the dental emergencies we often see at Dental Studio 4 Kids:

• Install corner protectors
• Use safety gates around stairs
• Offer age-appropriate toys
• Don't let kids chew hard objects or use their teeth as tools
• Keep watch during outdoor activities
• Supervise brushing and flossing early on
• Schedule regular dental check-ups
• Make them use mouthguards during sports activities



With enough vigilance, you can help catch potential issues early and keep your child from forming bad habits that can affect their oral health.

Get Emergency Pediatric Dentistry Today

No one likes to see a child hurt or in pain, which is why it's easy for parents to panic after their child suffers any kind of dental trauma or infection.

However, the best practices above can help you make the best of a bad situation, getting your child the immediate attention they need.

If you're seeking emergency pediatric dentistry in Lutz FL, contact the team at Dental Studio 4 Kids!

Our emergency dental clinic is by appointment only. Our staff will walk you through first aid, help you decide if your child needs immediate care, and offer fast and compassionate treatment to preserve their oral health. Call us at (813) 591-2200 or contact us online.