Dental Emergencies For Kids: What To Do Before You Call Your Pediatric Dentist In North Las Vegas

When Seconds Feel Long

A knocked-out tooth. Sudden toothache at bedtime. A broken bracket during soccer practice. Pediatric dental emergencies are stressful, but a calm plan makes all the difference. Here’s how to handle common scenarios and when to call a pediatric dentist in North Las Vegas right away.

First Steps For The Most Common Emergencies

Knocked-Out Adult Tooth (Avulsed)

Act fast (within 30 minutes is best).
Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white chewing part), not the root.
If dirty, gently rinse with water—no scrubbing or soap.
Try to reinsert into the socket and have your child bite on clean gauze.
If you can’t reinsert, place tooth in cold milk or an ADA-approved tooth preservation kit.
Call immediately and head to the office.

Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

Do not reinsert. Control bleeding with gentle pressure, offer a cool compress for swelling, and call your pediatric dentist for next steps.

Toothache

Rinse with warm water and floss gently to remove trapped food.
Avoid aspirin on the gum.
If there’s fever or facial swelling, call promptly—this can be serious.

Chipped or Fractured Tooth

Save any broken pieces.
Rinse the mouth; apply a cool compress.
Cover sharp edges with dental wax if available.
Call to discuss urgency; deep fractures may need same-day care.

Bitten Lip, Cheek, or Tongue

Apply gentle pressure with gauze to stop bleeding.
Use a cold compress for swelling.
If the wound is large or bleeding doesn’t slow after 10 minutes, seek care.

Broken Bracket or Poking Wire

Place orthodontic wax on the sharp area.
If a wire is stuck in the cheek, do not cut it—cover with wax and call.
Keep any loose pieces to show the dental team.

How To Build A Simple Home Dental First-Aid Kit

Clean gauze pads
Small container of orthodontic wax
Tooth preservation kit or small bottle of cold milk
A small clean container with lid
Over-the-counter child-appropriate pain reliever (as directed by your pediatrician)
Disposable gloves and a flashlight

Pain Control and Comfort

Cold compresses help with swelling. For pain relief, follow label directions and your pediatrician’s advice. Avoid topical numbing gels in very young children unless your dentist recommends them.

Preventing Sports Injuries

Mouthguards reduce the risk of tooth and lip injuries dramatically. Custom options fit better, protect braces, and make it easier to speak and breathe. Replace mouthguards when they become worn, warped, or after major dental changes.

When Is It An Emergency vs. Urgent?

Emergency (same-day): knocked-out or displaced teeth, severe pain, swelling, trauma with bleeding, or suspected infection.
Urgent (soon): lost filling or crown on a baby tooth, minor chips, broken bracket without pain.
If in doubt, call—guidance by phone can save time and protect your child’s tooth.

Keeping Kids Calm

Children take cues from parents. Use slow breaths, simple words (“We’re going to help your tooth feel better”), and distraction (counting, music). If your child has sensory challenges, let the office know on the way—preparing the room can make the visit smoother.

After-Care At Home

Follow all instructions you receive after treatment. Soft foods, lots of water, and careful brushing around the area help healing. Watch for fever, increasing swelling, or pain that worsens—call if anything concerns you.

Need fast help now? Call Shadow Creek Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics at (725) 204-7082 for guidance and same-day emergency care in North Las Vegas.