5 Times When Your Child Needs to See an Emergency Dentist

Dental trauma in children is a top health concern, with young patients often participating in activities that raise their risk of dental injury. As parents and caregivers, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and know when to seek immediate professional help. Prompt treatment from an emergency dentist makes a considerable difference in the outcome of any dental emergency. This includes saving a tooth from needing to be removed or preventing permanent damage to the child's teeth or mouth. 

Read on to discover when your child may need to see an emergency dentist and where to find the top emergency dentist for kids in San Jose.

Leading Causes of Dental Trauma in Kids

A common question we get is, “What is putting my child’s teeth at risk?” Dental trauma in children often stems from everyday activities and accidents — with falls being a primary culprit. These falls usually happen at playgrounds, while riding bicycles, or tripping while running. Sports-related dental injuries, particularly in contact sports like football, hockey, and basketball, also account for a significant portion of dental emergencies for older children and teenagers. 

Road traffic accidents, though less common, also make the list for causing severe dental and facial trauma. Surprisingly, seemingly harmless activities like chewing on hard objects or using teeth as tools to open packages also lead to dental injuries. Even simple roughhousing with siblings or peers can sometimes result in tooth damage. 

Five Situations When Your Child Should See a Pediatric Emergency Dentist

Dental emergencies in children can be distressing for both the child and parents — staying calm and understanding when to see a dentist are the most effective ways to help your child and ensure they get the pediatric dental care they need when they need it. Top dental injuries that require a visit to an emergency dentist include: 

1. Knocked-out Tooth

Time is of the essence for the successful reimplantation and long-term survival of a knocked-out tooth. Parents and caregivers should act fast — ideally within 30 minutes or less — to get the child and knocked-out tooth to an emergency dentist. Additionally, gently rinse the tooth without scrubbing and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that's not possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva until you reach the dentist. 

2. Sudden, Severe Toothache

If your child has persistent tooth pain that over-the-counter medication isn’t helping — especially if they are also experiencing swelling of the gums or a fever — they could have an infected tooth. A tooth abscess is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent the spread of infection.

3. Cracked or Broken Tooth

Falls or chewing something hard can cause a tooth to break. Your child should see an emergency dentist if there are any visible fractures in a tooth, particularly if they expose the inner layers of the tooth or cause sharp tooth pain. Even small cracks in the tooth can lead to tooth sensitivity or an infection of the tooth root if left untreated. 

4. Soft Tissue Injuries of the Mouth

Injuries to the mouth, including the gums, tongue, lips, or cheeks, may require stitches and can be at risk for infection if not treated properly. For lacerations or deep cuts in these areas, parents should hold pressure on any bleeding while taking their child to an emergency dentist.  

5. Dental Abscess

A dental abscess usually presents as painful, swollen bumps on the gums — often with fever or facial swelling. This indicates a severe infection that can spread quickly to other parts of the body if left untreated. Immediate treatment and possibly drainage are usually necessary. 

Quick action can make all the difference when it comes to saving an injured tooth or losing a tooth from dental injury — and can significantly impact your child's long-term oral health. When in doubt, parents should always err on the side of caution and consult with a pediatric dentist.

Finding the Best Emergency Dentist for Kids in San Jose

When unexpected dental issues arise, it is important to choose the most experienced emergency pediatric dentist. Pediatric Dentistry of San Jose can handle a wide range of pediatric dental emergencies with a team that's always ready to provide swift, efficient care in a child-friendly environment. 

We understand that dental emergencies can be stressful for both children and parents, which is why we've created a calm, reassuring atmosphere to ease anxieties during these challenging moments.

Our team of highly skilled pediatric dentists with extensive experience in emergency dental care includes Dr. Michelle Haghpanah, Dr. Reena Grover, and Dr. Lisa Carrington, along with a dedicated team of hygienists and dental assistants. We use state-of-the-art equipment and gentle techniques to diagnose and treat urgent dental issues quickly and effectively. 

Ready to get emergency dental care from a reliable team of pediatric dental experts in San Jose?