What is a Dental Emergency?
Kids are curious and active, and sometimes that means teeth can get bumped, chipped, or knocked out. When this happens, our team at Forest Hill Children's Dentistry in Toronto is here to help. Common dental emergencies in kids include broken or loose teeth, tooth pain, or mouth injuries that need prompt attention.
If your child experiences any of these, call our dental clinic right away so we can guide you and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
For serious situations, such as severe pain, trouble breathing, significant swelling, or heavy bleeding, please go to your nearest emergency hospital immediately.
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Lost Fillings or Crowns
If your child has a broken or lost filling or crown, try to find the piece if you can. Then, call our dental clinic right away so we can schedule a visit to fix it and make sure your child’s smile stays healthy and comfortable
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Chipped or Broken Teeth
If your child has a chipped or broken tooth, try to find any pieces and place them in a clean container to bring to the appointment. Sometimes the dentist can reattach the piece! Even you can't find the piece, call our dental clinic right away so we can repair your child’s smile and make them comfortable.
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Knocked-Out Teeth
If your child’s tooth has been knocked out, try to find the tooth and rinse it gently. Hold it by the crown (not the roots) and, if possible, carefully place it back into the socket, having your child bite down gently to keep it in place. If re-inserting isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a glass of milk or holding it in the mouth until you arrive at our office.
Apply a cold compress to your child’s cheek to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Call our dental clinic as soon as possible and, if you can, let us know you’re coming. The sooner your child is treated, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Accidents like this often happen during play or sports, which is why we encourage children to wear a mouth guard to help protect their teeth from injury.
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Swelling, Pain or Discomfort
If your child has sudden swelling in the face, mouth, or neck, or is experiencing significant pain or discomfort, call our office right away. While you’re on your way, you can help your child feel more comfortable by applying a cold compress to the affected area, giving an age-appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever, and rinsing the mouth with warm salt water to remove any debris.
Once your child is in our care, our dentists will assess the situation, determine the cause, and recommend the appropriate treatment to help your child feel better as quickly as possible.
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