Emergency Dental Care: What to Do When Your Child Needs Urgent Attention

Quick-Response Tips from Your Trusted Pediatric Dental Team in Helotes, TX

Dental emergencies don’t come with a warning—and when they happen to your child, it can be overwhelming. From knocked-out teeth during soccer games to sudden toothaches at bedtime, it’s essential to know what to do and who to call.

At Helotes Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer same-day emergency appointments and compassionate care tailored to children and teens. This blog walks you through common pediatric dental emergencies, what steps to take at home, and how our team is here to help.

⏱️ When Is It a Dental Emergency?

If your child experiences any of the following, they likely need urgent dental care:

• A knocked-out permanent tooth
• A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
• A toothache with swelling or fever
• Bleeding that won’t stop after trauma to the mouth
• Swollen gums or cheeks due to infection
• A lost filling or crown causing pain
• Pain or injury from braces or orthodontic appliances

These situations require fast attention to relieve pain, prevent infection, and preserve the tooth.

🦷 Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies & What You Can Do

1. Knocked-Out Tooth (Permanent)

• Find the tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root), and rinse gently with water
• Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible
• If not, place the tooth in milk or saliva and bring it to our office
  🕒 Come in within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving it

2. Chipped or Broken Tooth

• Rinse the mouth with warm water
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Save any broken pieces if possible
• Call us right away for evaluation

3. Severe Toothache

• Rinse with warm salt water
• Gently floss to remove debris
• Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth
• Schedule an emergency appointment to check for cavities or infection
  → Learn more about why tooth pain isn’t always what it seems

4. Soft Tissue Injury (Gums, Lips, Tongue)

• Apply pressure with gauze or a clean cloth
• Use a cold compress
• If bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes, go to the ER or call us for guidance

5. Orthodontic Issues (Poking Wires, Loose Brackets)

• Use orthodontic wax to cover the area
• Try gently repositioning a wire with a cotton swab
• If pain or damage occurs, we offer urgent orthodontic care

🚨 Why Choose Us for Pediatric Dental Emergencies?

Our Helotes practice is designed with children in mind, and our emergency care is:

• Same-day and responsive
• Delivered by board-certified pediatric dentists and orthodontists
• Focused on gentle care in a calm environment
• Available for new and existing patients
• Supported with modern technology for accurate diagnosis

Meet our doctors like Dr. Kara Whittington and Dr. Poonam Shah, who bring years of child-focused dental experience to every urgent situation.

📍 View Our Office | Meet the Team

🧒 How to Prepare for a Dental Emergency at Home

Here are a few things every parent should have in an emergency dental kit:

• Clean gauze or cotton
• Saline rinse or salt for warm water rinse
• Small container with lid (for lost teeth or fragments)
• Cold compress
• Orthodontic wax
• Our office number saved in your phone: (210) 880-2029

Bonus Tip: Role-play emergency scenarios with your child so they feel more confident and calm if one actually happens!

Related Reads You Might Find Helpful:

• What To Do When Your Child Needs Urgent Dental Attention
• Does Your Child Need a Root Canal?
• Why My Child Has Swollen Gums
• Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month

🏁 Final Word: Prompt Action Makes All the Difference

Dental emergencies can be scary, but you’re never alone. The team at Helotes Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to act fast, ease your child’s discomfort, and get their smile back on track.

📍 Visit us at: 11600 Bandera Rd #126, San Antonio, TX 78250
📞 Call us: (210) 880-2029
🗓️ Request Emergency Appointment