Kids are adventurous, and sometimes that means a chipped front tooth on the playground or a toothache the night before school pictures. When a dental emergency happens, having a clear plan turns panic into purposeful action. This parent-friendly guide covers the most common pediatric dental emergencies in the Saginaw/Fort Worth area and the exact steps to take before you arrive.
First Rule: Call Us—We’ll Triage By Phone
If you’re unsure what to do, call right away. We’ll walk you through immediate steps and prioritize a same-day appointment when necessary. Keep our number saved: (817) 420-6676.
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth (Avulsed)
Time matters.
- Find the tooth and handle it by the crown, not the root.
- Rinse gently with water if dirty—no scrubbing, soaps, or disinfectants.
- Reinsert into the socket if possible and have your child bite on gauze to hold it.
- If you can’t reinsert, place in milk or a tooth-preservation kit—not water.
- Call immediately and come in; the best chance of saving a tooth is within 30–60 minutes.
Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
Do not reinsert. We’ll evaluate to ensure the permanent tooth bud wasn’t injured and determine if space maintenance is needed to guide proper eruption later.
Chipped Or Fractured Tooth
- Find and save any broken pieces in milk.
- Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- We can often bond the original fragment back or repair with tooth-colored material. Deep fractures may require a pulp therapy assessment.
Severe Toothache Or Abscess
- Do not place aspirin on the gums—it can burn tissue.
- Use age-appropriate pain relievers and a cold compress on the outside of the face.
- Look for a pimple-like bump on the gums; this may signal infection needing prompt treatment.
Object Stuck Between Teeth
- Try floss carefully.
- Avoid using sharp tools.
- If it won’t budge, call; we have safe instruments to remove it without injuring gums.
Bitten Lip Or Tongue
- Clean gently and apply firm pressure with gauze to control bleeding.
- If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes or the cut looks deep, seek urgent care.
- Cold foods like popsicles can soothe and reduce swelling (and yes, they count as medicine for little heroes).
Orthodontic Irritations
For poking wires or brackets:
- Place orthodontic wax over the spot.
- If a wire is long, you can clip carefully with clean nail clippers and call for a visit.
- Saltwater rinses help soothe sores while we schedule an adjustment.
Prevention Plays That Win The Season
- Custom sports mouthguards fit better, protect more, and stay in.
- Sealants on molars reduce cavity risk in deep grooves.
- Regular checkups catch small problems before they cause pain.
- Keep a dental “go bag”: spare gauze, a small clean container, saline, a mini floss, orthodontic wax, and our phone number.
Pain Control And Comfort Tips For Kids
- Use distraction—favorite music, a show, or a hand to squeeze.
- Keep explanations simple and positive (“We’re going to make it feel better”).
- Bring a comfort item (stuffed animal, hoodie). Kids do great when they feel safe and seen.
What About Aftercare?
We’ll give clear, age-appropriate instructions:
- Diet: Soft, cool foods at first; avoid straws after extractions.
- Hygiene: Brush gently around the area; start warm saltwater rinses on day two if we advise.
- Follow-ups: We’ll monitor healing and development to protect adult teeth.
We’ve Got Your Back (And Your Kiddo’s Smile)
From playground mishaps to surprise toothaches, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Call Eagle Mountain Dentistry at (817) 420-6676 in Saginaw to Book an Appointment. We’ll guide you by phone right now and see you promptly—because little smiles deserve big care.
