Pediatric Dental Emergencies: What Parents Should Know and Do

Dental emergencies in Campbell CA and Los Gatos CA can be nerve-racking—especially when they involve your child. From sudden toothaches to chipped teeth or knocked-out baby teeth, it’s not always clear what to do first. That’s where Campbell Pediatric Dentistry comes in. Our expert pediatric dental team is trained to handle urgent situations with a gentle touch, helping your child feel safe while delivering the fast, effective care they need.

Let’s walk through the most common dental emergencies in children—and what you can do in the moment to protect your child’s health and comfort.

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Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies (and What You Should Do)

Kids love to run, climb, and play—which means accidents are bound to happen. When they involve the teeth, prompt attention makes all the difference.

Toothache

Tooth pain can signal a cavity, infection, or even a cracked tooth. If your child complains of a sore tooth:

• Gently rinse their mouth with warm water
• Use floss to remove any trapped food between teeth
• Apply a cold compress for swelling
• Never put aspirin directly on the gums
• Call us for an emergency appointment to determine the cause

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

A permanent tooth that’s been knocked out is a true dental emergency. Here’s what to do:

• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root
• Gently rinse with water—do not scrub or remove tissue
• If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and have your child bite gently
• If that’s not possible, place it in milk or a tooth-preserving solution
• Get to Campbell Pediatric Dentistry right away—time matters for reimplantation

Note: If a baby tooth is knocked out, don’t attempt to reinsert it. Contact our pediatric dental office for guidance.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Chipped or fractured teeth should be evaluated quickly to prevent pain or further damage.

• Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water
• Save any broken fragments if you can
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling

Schedule a visit for prompt repair—we may recommend bonding, smoothing, or a crown depending on the damage

Dental Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of infection that appears as a swollen, often painful bump on the gum.

• Rinse with warm saltwater
• Do not try to pop the bump
• Seek immediate care—untreated abscesses can lead to serious health complications

Soft Tissue Injuries (Lips, Gums, Tongue)

Bleeding from a cut inside the mouth can be scary, but in most cases, it's manageable at home.

• Apply pressure with clean gauze or a cloth
• Use a cold compress for swelling
• If bleeding continues beyond 10 minutes, visit our office right away

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How to Prevent Dental Emergencies in Children

Not every accident can be avoided—but with a few smart steps, you can lower the odds of emergency dental visits:

• Mouthguards are a must for any sport or high-contact activity
• Discourage chewing on ice, pens, or hard candy
• Schedule regular dental checkups at Campbell Pediatric Dentistry to catch issues early
• Teach good habits like brushing twice a day and daily flossing

A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to protecting your child’s smile.

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Your Go-To Emergency Pediatric Dentist

We understand how stressful a dental emergency can be for both you and your child. That’s why our pediatric dental team is trained to provide urgent care with empathy, patience, and expert skill. From managing pain to repairing damage, we act quickly to restore your child’s comfort and confidence.

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Need Emergency Pediatric Dental Care? We’re Just a Call Away.

If your child is facing a dental emergency—no matter how big or small—don’t wait. Contact Campbell Pediatric Dentistry for same-day care and compassionate support. We're here to help your child smile again—faster and with less stress.