Emergency Dentistry
Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Our caring teams are here to provide timely, gentle emergency dental care when your child needs it most.
When your child experiences a dental emergency, staying calm and knowing what to do can make a stressful situation easier to manage. Whether your child has a severe toothache, broken or knocked-out tooth, dental injury, or another urgent dental concern, our Smiling Kidds teams are here to help you determine the appropriate next steps and provide the care your child needs.
With convenient Smiling Kidds locations in Jacksonville and Kissimmee, families have access to emergency dental care for children when unexpected dental needs arise. If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, contact the Smiling Kidds office nearest to you so our team can provide guidance and determine whether your child should be seen.
Below, you'll find helpful information about common dental emergencies and what you can do until your child receives professional dental care. Being prepared can help you respond confidently while protecting your child's teeth and oral health.
Common Dental Emergencies
Bitten Lip or Tongue
To help reduce swelling, gently clean the area with water and apply a cold compress to the outside of the affected area. Contact your nearest Smiling Kidds office for guidance and to determine whether your child needs emergency dental care.
Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth
After gently rinsing your child's mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to the outside of the affected area to help reduce swelling. Contact your nearest Smiling Kidds office immediately for guidance and emergency dental care when needed.
Broken Jaw
If you suspect your child has a broken jaw, seek immediate medical attention. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the affected area to help reduce swelling, and avoid unnecessary movement of the jaw. A significant blow or collision involving the face or head may also be associated with other serious injuries, including a concussion or traumatic brain injury. Go to the nearest emergency department or call 911 if your child has signs of a serious or life-threatening injury.
Object Caught Between Teeth
If an object becomes stuck between your child's teeth, do not use sharp or pointed objects to remove it. Gently try to dislodge the object with dental floss or have your child rinse with warm water. If the object cannot be removed or your child is experiencing pain or discomfort, contact your nearest Smiling Kidds office for guidance.
Toothache
If your child has a toothache, have them gently rinse their mouth with warm water and check for anything that may be caught between the teeth. Carefully use dental floss to remove any trapped food or debris. If pain or swelling continues, apply a cold compress to the outside of the affected area to help ease discomfort. Avoid placing heat, aspirin, or other pain-relieving products directly on the teeth or gums. Contact your nearest Smiling Kidds office to schedule an appointment so our dental team can identify the cause of your child's tooth pain and provide the appropriate care.
Soreness/Discomfort from Braces
Mild soreness or discomfort is common after braces are first placed or following an orthodontic adjustment. Orthodontic wax can help protect areas where brackets or wires may irritate the cheeks or gums. If your child experiences significant discomfort or soreness that does not improve after a few days, contact our Smiling Kidds orthodontic team for guidance.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Permanent Tooth
If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, act quickly. Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing. If possible, carefully place the tooth back into the socket and have your child gently bite down on clean gauze or a cloth to hold it in place. If the tooth cannot be replaced, place it in a clean container of milk to keep it moist. Contact your nearest Smiling Kidds office immediately for emergency dental care and instructions on what to do next. Acting quickly may improve the chances of saving the permanent tooth.
Primary Tooth
Unlike a permanent tooth, a knocked-out baby tooth should not usually be placed back into the socket. If your child knocks out a primary tooth, contact your nearest Smiling Kidds office so our dental team can evaluate the area, check for additional injury, and make sure no tooth fragments remain.
Avoiding Injury to Your Child's Teeth
Taking a few simple precautions can help protect your child's teeth and reduce the risk of dental injuries and unexpected dental emergencies.
- Childproof your home and play areas to help prevent falls and injuries to the teeth and mouth.
- Make sure extension cords and electrical cords are out of reach of children.
- Avoid having your child chew on ice, popcorn kernels, hard candy, or other hard foods that could chip or break a tooth.
- Make sure young children are properly secured in an age-appropriate car seat and older children wear seat belts.
- Encourage your child to wear a properly fitted mouthguard when participating in contact sports or activities where dental injuries may occur.
- Help prevent toothaches and dental problems with consistent brushing, flossing, regular dental exams, and professional cleanings.
Trust Our Team During Your Child's Time of Need
When your child experiences a dental emergency, you want to know where to turn. Our caring Smiling Kidds teams provide gentle, timely emergency dental care for children in Jacksonville and Kissimmee, helping families navigate unexpected toothaches, dental injuries, and other urgent dental concerns.
If you are concerned about your child's teeth or have questions about a possible dental emergency, contact your nearest Smiling Kidds office. Our team can provide guidance, answer your questions, and help determine the appropriate next steps for your child's care.
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