Dental Emergencies: What Parents Should Know

Dental emergencies in Crown Point, IN can come up fast and catch families off guard. Whether it’s a surprise tooth injury at the playground or sudden pain at bedtime, knowing how to handle the situation can make a big difference. 

Call 219-641-3422 to reach Van Buskirk & Krischke DDS. Quick thinking helps reduce pain and protects your child’s oral health from lasting damage.

Common Dental Problems in Children

Kids are naturally active and curious, which sometimes leads to bumps, falls, and dental injuries. Some of the more frequent dental emergencies in Crown Point include:

  • Tooth knocked out – A fall or hit to the mouth can knock a tooth out. If it’s a baby tooth, it may not need to be replaced. If it’s a permanent tooth, place it in milk or a tooth-saving solution and get to the dentist right away.
  • Cracked or chipped tooth – If part of a tooth breaks off, collect any pieces you can find and gently rinse your child’s mouth with water. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the affected side until a dentist can evaluate the damage.
  • Toothache – Aching teeth may point to a cavity, infection, or something caught between the teeth. Carefully rinse and floss around the area. If the pain doesn’t stop, reach out to your dental provider.
  • Swelling or infection – Swollen cheeks or gums may signal an infection that shouldn’t be ignored. Prompt dental care is important to prevent the problem from getting worse.

What You Can Do in a Dental Emergency

Being prepared helps you stay calm and act quickly when your child needs help. Keep a dental emergency kit on hand that includes:

  • Clean gauze or a soft cloth
  • A small, sealable container
  • Child-safe pain relievers (avoid aspirin)
  • The phone number for your dentist

Staying calm and offering reassurance can help your child stay relaxed while you manage the situation.

Tips to Help Prevent Emergencies

While some injuries are hard to avoid, there are simple ways to reduce the risk of dental trouble:

  • Have your child wear a mouthguard during sports and active play
  • Remind children to avoid chewing on hard objects like ice cubes, pencils, or pen caps, as these can damage their teeth
  • Support your child in building strong daily habits by encouraging regular brushing and flossing to keep their teeth clean and healthy
  • Stick to regular dental checkups to catch small problems before they grow

When to Call for Help

If your child has a cracked tooth, swelling, or ongoing pain, it’s best not to wait. Early care can prevent more serious problems and get your child feeling better faster. For trusted help with dental emergencies in Crown Point, families can count on Van Buskirk & Krischke DDS for experienced, friendly care.

Dental issues don’t always give a warning, but you can be ready when they happen.

Call Van Buskirk & Krischke DDS today to make an appointment and keep your child’s smile in great shape.

Call 219-641-3422 or schedule online.