Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, including children. If your child needs urgent pediatric dental care, our team at Simply Kids Dental can help! Below are a few common emergency dentistry situations that might occur and can be treated at our Colorado Springs, Colorado, area practice.

1. Severe toothache. One of the most frequent dental emergencies in kids is a toothache. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, including cavities, infection, or trauma. Try flossing around the tooth to get rid of any food particles that could be causing the pain, and if your kid complains of a toothache, rinse their mouth with warm salt water. You can also give them an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen to help alleviate the pain. However, do not apply aspirin directly to the affected area as it can cause burning. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sean as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
2. Broken or chipped tooth. A broken or chipped natural tooth is a common dental emergency, especially among children who engage in physical activities or sports. If your child has experienced a broken or fractured tooth, you must act fast and seek dental care immediately with our team. To start, clean your child’s mouth by rinsing it with warm water. Then, immediately apply a cold compress to reduce any possible swelling and alleviate any pain. If there is bleeding, apply pressure with gauze until it stops. Avoid giving your child any over-the-counter pain relievers unless directed by Dr. Sean before heading to the dental office for further evaluation and treatment.
3. Knocked-out adult tooth. Take immediate action to preserve a permanent tooth that has been totally knocked out. Locate the tooth first, then lift it by the crown (upper portion), carefully not to touch the root. Do not scrub or dry the teeth if they are unclean; rinse them gently with milk or saline. Then, have your child bite down hard on a piece of clean gauze to keep the tooth in place while you attempt to replace it in its socket. If this is not possible, place the knocked-out tooth into a cup of milk or saliva and bring it to us for Dr. Sean. Time is important in saving and reattaching a knocked-out tooth, so contact our office as soon as possible for guidance.  For any knocked-out baby teeth, please do not reinsert the tooth in the socket, as it can potentially damage the developing adult tooth. Instead, come right away to our office.
4. Cuts to the soft tissues. It can be alarming when your child gets a cut to the soft tissues in their mouth. However, most of these minor cuts can be easily treated at home. Begin by gently cleaning the area with warm water and applying pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to stop bleeding. Then, apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling and pain. If the cut is deep or does not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, seek medical attention.
5. Broken orthodontia. If your child has braces or any other orthodontic appliance, you must know what to do in case of a breakage. First, check if the breakage is causing any discomfort or pain to your child. If so, use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover the sharp edges and temporarily alleviate the discomfort. Then, schedule an appointment with your child’s orthodontist as soon as possible to get the appliance fixed.

Experiencing an urgent dental problem and need a pediatric dentist in Colorado Springs, CO?  Call us today.

Providing care in an emergency in a timely manner is essential for success. So, please remember you do not need to be an established patient for us to treat you.  Call (719) 249-2030 to request a same-day emergency dental visit with our team at Simply Kids Dental in 1910 Vindicator Drive, Suite #103.

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