Many children have dental injuries from falls, sports, play or accidents. When this happens, it is important to act quickly and stay calm. Just Kidz Dentistry offers emergency dentistry in Peoria and Washington, Illinois, to help protect your child’s smile and relieve discomfort. Dr. Jack Kalloch and Dr. Sabeen Hafeez provide gentle care for urgent dental needs. If your child has a dental emergency, call 309-690-3368 to schedule care with our dentists.
What Should I Do During a Dental Emergency?
If your child has a serious injury, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding or a broken jaw, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room first. For urgent dental concerns, call our office as soon as possible. Dental emergencies can include severe tooth pain, a chipped or broken tooth, a knocked-out tooth, a loose tooth, swelling or bleeding that does not stop.
While you are waiting for care, keep your child comfortable. Rinse the mouth gently with warm water, use a cold compress to reduce swelling and avoid placing aspirin directly on the teeth or gums.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
If your child chips or breaks a tooth, call our office right away. Rinse the mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces if you can. Place them in a small container and bring them to the appointment. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze. A cold compress can help reduce pain and swelling.
Loose or Knocked-Out Teeth
If a tooth becomes loose or is pushed out of place, contact our office immediately. Do not try to force the tooth back into position. Use a cold compress and keep your child from chewing on that side.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub it. If possible, place it back in the socket. If not, keep it moist in milk, saliva or a tooth preservation kit.
Toothaches and Lost Restorations
For a toothache, have your child rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove trapped food. If pain continues, schedule a visit so the dentist can find the cause.
If a filling or crown comes loose, keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. Do not use glue. Bring the crown with you if you still have it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Care
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency may include severe pain, swelling, bleeding, a broken tooth, a loose tooth or a knocked-out tooth.
Can I prevent dental emergencies?
Not every emergency can be prevented, but regular dental visits, good brushing habits and sports mouth guards can help lower your child’s risk.
What should I do if my child loses a tooth?
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, keep it moist in milk or saliva and call our office immediately.