Emergency Pediatric Dentist Tips for Parents: Your Complete Guide to Handling Dental Trauma

Your child just fell off the swing set, and you see blood in their mouth. Or they took a basketball to the face during practice, and a tooth is loose. As a parent in Lafayette, you know that dental emergencies never happen at convenient times. They happen on weekends, during holiday dinners, or right before bedtime.

Research shows that 15% of preschoolers and 20-25% of school-age children experience dental trauma. These injuries can affect your child's eating, speaking, and confidence. The good news? Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pediatric dental emergencies, from knowing when to call 911 versus your dentist to what you should keep in your home first aid kit.

Understanding Pediatric Dental Emergencies: What Parents Need to Know

Studies indicate that 37.9% of dental emergencies in children are due to trauma. Whether it is a fall during playtime, a sports injury, or an accident at school, dental injuries happen fast and can feel scary for both you and your child.

The most common dental emergencies include knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, and soft tissue injuries like cut lips or tongues. Boys tend to experience dental trauma more often than girls, and the upper front teeth are the most commonly injured.

Why Quick Action Matters

Time is one of the most important factors when dealing with dental trauma. For knocked-out permanent teeth, treatment within 30 minutes to one hour offers the best chance of successfully saving the tooth. After that window closes, the cells on the tooth root start to die, making reattachment much harder or even impossible.

For other dental injuries like severe pain, infection, or broken teeth exposing the nerve, getting care within a few hours can prevent complications and reduce your child's discomfort.

Is It 911, the Dentist, or Can It Wait? Your Emergency Triage Guide

When your child gets hurt, it can be hard to think clearly. This section will help you figure out what type of care your child needs and how fast they need it.

Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room Right Away If:

• Your child loses consciousness or seems confused after a blow to the head
• They have trouble breathing or swallowing
• There is heavy bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure
• You suspect a broken jaw or facial bone (the face looks different or your child cannot open or close their mouth normally)
• Your child has a large cut on the face or inside the mouth that might need stitches

These situations involve more than just teeth and require immediate medical attention at a hospital emergency room.

Call Your Pediatric Dentist Immediately For:

• A knocked-out permanent tooth
• Severe tooth pain that keeps your child from sleeping or eating
• A broken tooth where you can see pink or red tissue inside (this is the nerve)
• Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums
• A bump or pimple on the gum near a tooth (this could be an infection called an abscess)
• Heavy bleeding from the gums that does not stop

These are true dental emergencies that need professional care as soon as possible. Many pediatric dentists in Lafayette offer after-hours emergency services.

Schedule an Appointment Within 24 Hours For:

• A small chip on a tooth (less than half the tooth)
• A lost filling or crown
• A broken orthodontic wire that is poking the cheek
• Mild to moderate tooth pain that started recently
• A loose tooth (but not completely out)

While these issues need attention, they are usually not as urgent and can wait until the next business day.

Lafayette Emergency Dental Resources for Parents

If your child has a dental emergency in Lafayette, you have several options:

Dr. Leslie Jacobs Pediatric Dentistry (Make Your Kids Smile) offers 24/7 emergency dental services. They understand that dental emergencies do not follow a schedule and have staff available around the clock to help your child.

Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry provides emergency dental services every weekday plus a 24/7 after-hours emergency. They serve families throughout Lafayette, Carencro, Youngsville, Broussard, Breaux Bridge, and the greater Acadiana area.

Louisiana Dental Group sees emergency patients during normal business hours, even if you are not yet a patient. 

For after-hours emergencies when dental offices are closed, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center and Lafayette General Medical Center emergency rooms can help stabilize dental trauma, especially if there are facial injuries or severe bleeding.

Age Matters: What to Expect at Different Stages

Infants and Toddlers (6 Months to 2 Years)

At this age, teething can sometimes be confused with a dental emergency. Real emergencies at this age usually happen from falls as babies learn to walk. If your baby falls and hits their mouth, check for:

• Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
• Loose or knocked-out baby teeth
• Cuts inside the mouth
• Swelling

Even if the injury seems minor, call your pediatric dentist to make sure the developing permanent teeth underneath were not damaged.

Preschoolers (3 to 5 Years)

This is a high-risk age for dental injuries. Kids this age are active, curious, and still developing coordination. Common causes include playground falls, tricycle accidents, and running into furniture or other children.

If a baby tooth gets knocked out at this age, do not try to put it back in. Reinserting a baby tooth may damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. However, you should still call your dentist because they may need to take an X-ray to check that everything is okay under the gums.

School-Age Children (6 to 12 Years)

This age group experiences dental trauma from sports, playground activities, and bike accidents. Around age 13-14, children are most likely to injure their permanent teeth.

During this stage, children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. It is important to know which type of tooth is injured because the treatment is different. Permanent teeth should be saved whenever possible, while baby teeth usually should not be put back in the socket.

Teens (13 and Up)

Teenagers often get dental injuries from contact sports like football, basketball, and soccer. They may also worry about how the injury affects their appearance, especially if they wear braces or are concerned about dating and social situations.

Broken braces or orthodontic appliances during an injury add another layer of complexity. If a bracket comes off or a wire breaks during a dental injury, save any pieces and contact both your orthodontist and your emergency dentist.

Step-by-Step First Aid for Common Dental Emergencies

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

This is one of the most serious dental emergencies. Acting within 30 minutes gives your child the best chance of saving the tooth.

What to do:

1. Find the tooth right away. Do not leave it at the scene of the accident.
   
2. Pick it up by the white part (the crown) only. Never touch the root. The root has tiny fibers that help the tooth reattach, and touching them can damage these important cells.
   
3. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or clean water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub it, do not use soap, and do not dry it with a towel.
   
4. Try to put the tooth back in the socket if you can. Have your child hold it in place by gently biting on clean gauze or a soft cloth. This is the absolute best place to keep the tooth.
   
5. If you cannot put the tooth back in the socket, you need to keep it moist. The tooth should stay in an environment as similar as possible to the human body. Your best options in order are:
   
   • A Save-A-Tooth kit or Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (you can buy these at drugstores)
   • A small container of cold milk
   • Inside your child's mouth next to their cheek (only if they are old enough not to swallow it)
   • Your child's saliva in a cup
6. Never use tap water to store the tooth. Water can damage the root cells.
   
7. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes. Call ahead so they are ready for you.
   
   

Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

Important: Do not put a baby tooth back in the socket. Reinserting a baby tooth can lead to problems with the permanent tooth that will replace it.

What to do:

1. Keep the tooth if you find it (so the dentist can see it).
   
2. Rinse your child's mouth with water.
   
3. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if there is bleeding.
   
4. Call your pediatric dentist. They may want to see your child to make sure there is no damage to the bone or the permanent tooth underneath.
   
   

Broken or Chipped Tooth

What to do:

1. Find any pieces of the tooth and put them in milk or water.
   
2. Rinse your child's mouth with warm water to clean the area.
   
3. Put a cold compress on the outside of the face near the injury. Use it for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off. This helps with swelling and pain.
   
4. If the broken edge is sharp and cuts your child's cheek or tongue, you can temporarily cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax until you get to the dentist.
   
5. Call your pediatric dentist. If you can see pink or red inside the tooth, this is the nerve, and your child needs to be seen right away.
   
   

Severe Toothache

What to do:

1. Gently floss around the tooth to make sure there is no food stuck that might be causing pain.
   
2. Rinse your child's mouth with warm salt water (mix half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water).
   
3. Give your child the appropriate dose of children's acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) for pain. Follow the dosing instructions on the bottle based on your child's weight.
   
4. Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek.
   
5. Never put aspirin directly on the gums. This can cause a chemical burn.
   
6. Call your pediatric dentist to schedule an appointment. If your child also has a fever, facial swelling, or a bad taste in their mouth, call right away because these are signs of infection.
   
   

Cut or Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek

Mouths bleed a lot, even from small cuts, so these injuries can look worse than they really are.

What to do:

1. Clean the area gently with cool water.
   
2. Apply firm pressure with clean gauze or a cloth for at least 10 minutes without lifting to check. It takes time for bleeding to stop.
   
3. Use a cold compress or have your child suck on a popsicle or ice chips to reduce swelling.
   
4. If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure, if the cut is longer than half an inch, or if the edges of the cut do not touch, your child may need stitches. Go to the emergency room or call your dentist.
   
   

Loose Tooth (But Not Out)

What to do:

1. Have your child avoid eating hard or crunchy foods.
   
2. Do not try to pull the tooth out or wiggle it.
   
3. Give soft, cool foods.
   
4. Call your pediatric dentist. They will check whether the tooth can be saved or if it needs to come out.
   
   

What NOT to Do: Critical Mistakes to Avoid

When you are dealing with a dental emergency, it is easy to make mistakes in the panic of the moment. Here are important things you should never do:

Never scrub a knocked-out tooth. The root has delicate cells and fibers that help the tooth reattach. Scrubbing destroys these.

Never touch the root of a tooth. Always handle a knocked-out tooth by the white crown part only.

Never wrap a tooth in a tissue or cloth. This dries it out. The tooth must stay moist.

Never use regular tap water to store a knocked-out tooth long-term. A quick rinse is okay, but storing it in water damages the root cells. Use milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation solution instead.

Never put aspirin on the gums. While aspirin can help with pain when swallowed, putting it directly on gum tissue causes chemical burns. This is an old home remedy that does more harm than good.

Never put ice directly on a tooth. Use ice on the outside of the face only. Direct contact between ice and teeth can cause more damage.

Never try to reinsert a baby tooth. This can damage the permanent tooth growing underneath.

Never delay getting care to see if it gets better on its own. Dental infections and trauma get worse over time, not better. Early treatment is almost always easier, less painful, and less expensive.

Managing Your Child's Fear and Panic

How you react to a dental emergency can affect how your child copes with it. Children look to their parents to understand how worried they should be.

Stay Calm Yourself

Take a deep breath before you talk to your child. Even if you are scared inside, try to speak in a calm, reassuring voice. Children can sense when adults are panicking, and this makes their own anxiety worse.

For Toddlers and Preschoolers

Young children may not understand what happened or why they are hurting. Here is how to help:

Use the "Tell-Show-Do" method: Tell them simply what you need to do ("I am going to look in your mouth"), show them if possible ("See, I am just going to use this flashlight"), then do it gently.

Offer comfort and distraction: A favorite stuffed animal, a show on your phone, or singing a song together can help during the car ride to the dentist.

Use simple, non-scary words: Instead of saying "your tooth is broken" you might say "your tooth needs the dentist to fix it."

Stay close: Your presence is the most comforting thing. Hold your child, make eye contact, and let them know you are there.

For School-Age Children

Kids this age understand more but may still feel scared.

Be honest but reassuring: Explain what happened in simple terms and what will happen next. Do not lie about whether something might hurt, but emphasize that the dentist will help the pain go away.

Give them some control: Let them hold an ice pack themselves or choose which stuffed animal comes to the dentist.

Use a pain scale: Ask them to rate their pain from 1 to 10. This helps them feel heard and helps you and the dentist understand how serious it is.

Praise their bravery: Even if they are crying, you can say "I know you are scared, but you are being so brave by letting me help you."

For Teenagers

Teens may be more concerned about how the injury looks and how long recovery will take.

Acknowledge their concerns: If they are worried about their appearance, do not dismiss it. Say something like "I know you are worried about how this looks. The dentist has ways to fix it so it will look good."

Be direct about the treatment: Teens usually want the facts. Explain what the dentist will probably do and how long it might take to heal.

Give them privacy when possible: Teens may not want you to hover. Let them know you are there if they need you, but give them space to process.

Reassure them about modern treatment: Dental treatment has come a long way. Dentists can often restore teeth to look completely normal, and they have good pain management options.

Taking Photos for Your Dentist

Many pediatric dentists can look at photos and help you figure out how urgent the situation is before you come in. This is especially helpful if you are not sure whether something is a true emergency or can wait.

How to Take Good Dental Photos

1. Use good lighting: Turn on all the lights in the room and use your phone's flash.
   
2. Pull the lip back: Gently pull your child's upper or lower lip away from the teeth so the dentist can see the injury clearly.
   
3. Take multiple angles:
   
   • A straight-on view with the teeth together
   • A view with the mouth open
   • Close-up shots of the injured tooth
   • Photos of any pieces you found
4. Include the face if there is swelling: This helps the dentist see the extent of the injury.
   
5. Make sure the photos are not blurry: Take a few seconds to hold the phone steady.
   
   

What to Tell Your Dentist

When you send photos or call, include this information:

• When the injury happened
• How it happened
• What symptoms your child has (pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, bleeding)
• Whether the tooth was knocked out, broken, or loose
• Any previous dental work on that tooth
• Whether your child has other injuries

Your Home Dental Emergency Kit

Having supplies ready before an emergency happens makes everything easier. Keep these items in a container in your kitchen or bathroom:

Must-Have Items

• Sterile gauze pads in different sizes
• Instant cold packs that activate when you squeeze them
• A small flashlight or headlamp to see into the mouth
• Your dentist's emergency contact card with the after-hours phone number
• A small container with a lid for storing a tooth
• Children's pain medicine (acetaminophen and ibuprofen with dosing instructions)
• Dental mirror (the small ones dentists use)

Nice-to-Have Items

• Save-A-Tooth kit or Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (you can buy these at most drugstores for about ten to fifteen dollars)
• Sugar-free gum to temporarily cover a sharp edge on a broken tooth
• Orthodontic wax if your child has braces
• Clove oil for temporary pain relief (for children over 6 years old)
• Clean tweezers for removing debris from the mouth
• Salt for making salt water rinses

Where to Keep Your Kit

Keep your emergency kit in a place where you can grab it quickly. The kitchen is often better than the bathroom because dental emergencies often happen during meals or playing in areas near the kitchen.

Make a smaller version of this kit for your car or your child's sports bag.

Check your kit twice a year to replace expired medications and supplies.

Getting to the Dentist Safely

When to Call an Ambulance

In most dental emergencies, you can safely drive your child to the dentist or emergency room yourself. However, call 911 if:

• Your child lost consciousness at any point
• They are having trouble breathing
• There is very heavy bleeding that you cannot control
• You suspect a neck or spine injury

Safe Self-Transport Tips

• Keep your child sitting upright. This prevents them from swallowing blood.
  
  
• Continue applying pressure to any bleeding areas with gauze.
  
  
• Bring the tooth or tooth pieces in proper storage (milk or saliva, not water).
  
  
• Have another adult drive if possible so you can sit with your child in the back seat.
  
  
• Call ahead to the dentist or emergency room. Give them a quick description of the injury and an estimated time you will arrive. This allows them to be ready for you.
  
  

Lafayette Emergency Locations

Dr. Leslie Jacobs Pediatric Dentistry offers 24/7 emergency services in Lafayette. They understand that dental injuries happen outside of normal business hours and have systems in place to help families any time of day or night. Call now- (337) 500 1500

Managing Pain at Home While You Wait

Sometimes you cannot get to the dentist right away. Here is how to keep your child comfortable:

Natural Pain Relief Methods

Salt water rinses: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Have your child swish it around their mouth and spit it out. This helps clean the area and reduces swelling. Do this every few hours.

Cold compresses: Use a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a thin towel, or a cold pack. Apply it to the outside of the face for 20 minutes, then take it off for 20 minutes. Never put ice directly on the tooth.

Clove oil: For children over 6 years old, you can apply a tiny amount of clove oil to a cotton swab and dab it on the painful area. Clove oil has natural numbing properties. Do not use too much because it tastes bad and can irritate the gums.

Elevation: When your child sleeps, prop up their head with an extra pillow. This reduces blood flow to the head and can help with throbbing pain.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Good for pain and fever. Follow the dosing instructions on the bottle based on your child's weight. You can give it every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin): Good for pain, inflammation, and fever. Also dose by weight according to the bottle. Can be given every 6 to 8 hours.

Combination approach: For severe pain, some doctors recommend alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen every 3 hours. For example, give acetaminophen at noon, ibuprofen at 3pm, acetaminophen at 6pm, and so on. Ask your pediatrician or pediatric dentist if this is appropriate for your child.

Important medication safety:

• Never give aspirin to children under 18 years old due to the risk of a serious condition called Reye's syndrome
• Never put any medication directly on the gums except products specifically made for that purpose
• Do not exceed the maximum daily dose listed on the bottle
• Call your doctor if you need to give pain medication for more than a few days

Soft Foods to Offer

While waiting for dental care, stick to soft foods that do not require much chewing:

• Yogurt
• Smoothies (avoid using a straw as the sucking motion can cause problems)
• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Ice cream or popsicles (the cold can help numb pain)
• Soup (not too hot)
• Macaroni and cheese
• Oatmeal

Avoid hard, crunchy, hot, or spicy foods.

Signs of Infection That Need Immediate Care

Sometimes a dental injury seems minor at first but develops an infection days or even weeks later. Watch for these warning signs:

Abscess Symptoms

An abscess is a pocket of infection. Look for:

• A bump or pimple on the gum near the injured tooth
• Facial swelling that gets worse instead of better
• Fever over 100.4°F
• Bad taste or smell in your child's mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck (these feel like small lumps under the jaw)
• Increased pain after the first few days

If you see any of these signs, call your pediatric dentist right away, even if it is after hours. Dental infections can spread and become serious if not treated.

Other Concerning Signs

Call your dentist if your child develops:

• Tooth discoloration: If a tooth that was injured starts turning grey, yellow, or dark brown in the days or weeks after an injury, this can mean the nerve inside is dying. The tooth needs to be checked.
  
  
• Sensitivity that gets worse: Some sensitivity after dental trauma is normal, but if it gets worse instead of better after a few days, call the dentist.
  
  
• Drainage: Any pus or bad-tasting fluid coming from around a tooth needs immediate attention.
  
  

What to Expect at the Emergency Dental Visit

Knowing what will happen at the emergency appointment can help you and your child feel less anxious.

The Examination

The dentist will:

1. Ask questions about how the injury happened, when it happened, and what symptoms your child has.
   
   
2. Look in your child's mouth using a bright light and dental mirror. They will check the injured tooth and the surrounding teeth and gums.
   
   
3. Take X-rays to see if there is damage below the gum line, such as a root fracture or damage to the bone.
   
   
4. Check your child for other injuries, especially if the injury happened in a fall or accident. They may check for signs of concussion or facial fractures.
   
   

Pain Management and Sedation Options

Most emergency procedures can be done with just local anesthesia (a numbing shot). However, some children need additional help to stay calm and still.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): This is mild sedation breathed in through a nose mask. Your child stays awake but feels relaxed and less anxious. It wears off within minutes after the mask is removed. No special preparation is needed.

Oral conscious sedation: Your child drinks a liquid medicine about 30 minutes before the procedure. They become drowsy but can still respond to questions. Your child will need to fast (no food or drink) for several hours before this type of sedation. They will be sleepy for a few hours afterward and will need to be supervised at home.

IV sedation: This is deeper sedation delivered through a vein. It is usually only needed for complex trauma or children with severe dental anxiety. It is done by dentists with special training or in a hospital setting.

Common Treatments

For knocked-out permanent teeth: The dentist cleans the socket and tooth, repositions the tooth, and uses a splint (like a small brace) to hold it in place for 7 to 10 days. You will have follow-up appointments to check how the tooth is healing. Eventually, teeth that have been knocked out and replanted need root canal treatment.

For broken teeth: The treatment depends on how much of the tooth broke:

• Small chips: The dentist smooths the rough edge or uses a tooth-colored filling to restore the shape
• Larger breaks: May need a crown or cap
• Breaks that expose the nerve: Need immediate root canal treatment or extraction

For tooth infections: The dentist will drain the infection and prescribe antibiotics. The tooth may need a root canal or extraction depending on the damage.

For soft tissue injuries: The dentist cleans the wound and may need to place stitches if the cut is large.

Cost and Insurance

Emergency dental visits typically cost between one hundred and three hundred dollars for the exam and X-rays, not including any treatment needed.

Most dental insurance plans cover emergency care, though you may have a copay or deductible. Louisiana Medicaid covers pediatric dental emergencies for eligible families.

Many pediatric dental offices in Lafayette, including Dr. Leslie Jacobs Pediatric Dentistry, work with families to create payment plans for emergency care if cost is a concern.

Long-Term Monitoring After Dental Trauma

Even after your child's emergency visit, you are not done. Dental injuries can have delayed effects that show up weeks or even months later.

Follow-Up Appointments

Your pediatric dentist will want to see your child for follow-up visits:

• One week after the injury to check initial healing
• One month after the injury
• Three months after the injury
• Six to twelve months after the injury for permanent teeth

These appointments are important even if your child seems fine. The dentist checks for problems that you cannot see or your child may not notice yet.

What to Watch for at Home

Between dental visits, watch for these delayed symptoms:

Tooth color changes: A tooth that turns grey, yellow, or dark after trauma may have a dying nerve or internal bleeding. This can happen weeks or months after the injury. Take photos every week so you can see gradual changes.

Late abscess formation: Infections can develop 2 to 6 weeks after an injury, even if everything seemed fine at first. This happens because the trauma damaged the tooth's blood supply or introduced bacteria.

Increased sensitivity: Some sensitivity right after an injury is normal. However, if your child develops new sensitivity weeks later or if existing sensitivity gets worse, this needs to be checked.

Changes in how teeth fit together: If your child complains that their bite feels different or they cannot close their teeth normally, this could indicate bone damage or a tooth moving out of position.

Swelling or drainage: Any swelling or drainage around the injured tooth needs immediate attention.

Special Concerns with Baby Teeth

When a baby tooth is injured, it can cause problems with the permanent tooth developing underneath, including enamel discoloration, enamel hypoplasia (weak spots), curved roots, arrested root formation, and eruption problems.

Your dentist will watch the area carefully as your child grows. They may take X-rays periodically to check on the permanent tooth's development. In some cases, problems do not show up until the permanent tooth starts to come in years later.

Preventing Future Dental Injuries

While you cannot prevent every accident, there are ways to protect your child's teeth.

Sports Safety

Custom mouthguards are worth the investment. Sports activities are one of the most frequent causes of traumatic dental injuries in children. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite mouthguards are better than nothing, but custom-fitted mouthguards made by your dentist provide much better protection. They fit better, are more comfortable, and your child is more likely to actually wear them.

Most pediatric dentists in Lafayette can make custom mouthguards. The dentist takes an impression of your child's teeth, and the mouthguard is made to fit perfectly. This usually costs between one hundred and two hundred dollars.

Your child should wear a mouthguard for:

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball and softball
• Soccer
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Skateboarding
• Rollerblading
• Wrestling
• Any activity with risk of falls or contact

In Louisiana, many school sports programs now require mouthguards for contact sports. Check with your child's coach about specific requirements.

Replace mouthguards regularly. Children's mouths grow and change. Get a new mouthguard each year or whenever your child gets new teeth or braces.

Home and Play Safety

Childproof your home: For toddlers and young children:

• Use corner guards on furniture
• Install safety gates on stairs
• Keep floors clear of toys that could cause tripping
• Supervise around pools and hard surfaces
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub

Choose safe play surfaces: Grass is much safer than concrete for play areas. If you are choosing a playground, look for ones with soft surfaces like rubber mulch or wood chips under equipment.

Set trampoline rules: Trampolines are a common cause of dental injuries. If you have one:

• Only one person at a time
• No flips or tricks
• Adult supervision always
• Safety net is a must
• Consider not having a trampoline if your child is under 6

Bike safety: Make sure your child wears both a helmet and a mouthguard when biking, skateboarding, or rollerblading. Helmets protect the head but do not protect teeth.

Regular Dental Care

Children who see the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings have stronger, healthier teeth that are less likely to break or chip. Cavities weaken teeth and make them more prone to fracture.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see the dentist every six months starting when the first tooth comes in or by their first birthday.

Your pediatric dentist can also apply fluoride treatments and dental sealants to protect and strengthen teeth.

Diet for Strong Teeth

Help your child build strong teeth by including:

• Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt for calcium
• Leafy green vegetables for vitamins and minerals
• Protein from meat, fish, eggs, and beans
• Plenty of water instead of sugary drinks

Avoid:

• Hard candies and ice that children might try to crunch on
• Sticky candies that can pull out fillings or loosen teeth
• Using teeth as tools to open packages or bite nails

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My child chipped a small piece off a front tooth. Does it need to be fixed right away, or can we wait until after the weekend?

A: Small chips usually are not emergencies if your child is not in pain and you cannot see red or pink inside the tooth. However, you should call your dentist on the next business day to have it checked and fixed. Even small chips can have sharp edges that cut the tongue or lips, and the exposed tooth may be sensitive. The dentist can smooth the edge or add a small filling to protect the tooth and improve the appearance.

Q: My child has a fever and a toothache. Is this serious?

A: Yes, this combination of symptoms usually means your child has a tooth infection. Infections do not go away on their own and can spread. Call your pediatric dentist right away, even if it is after hours. Your child may need antibiotics and dental treatment to drain the infection.

Q: Will a knocked-out baby tooth affect the permanent tooth?

A: Usually not, but it is possible. The main concern is whether the trauma also damaged the permanent tooth bud developing underneath the gums. This is why your dentist needs to examine your child and take X-rays even for baby tooth injuries. In most cases, the permanent tooth comes in normally, but sometimes trauma to a baby tooth can cause problems with the permanent tooth's color, shape, or timing of eruption.

Q: How much will emergency dental care cost in Lafayette?

A: The emergency exam typically costs between one hundred and three hundred dollars. Treatment costs vary depending on what needs to be done. A simple filling might cost seventy-five to two hundred dollars, while a crown could cost three hundred to six hundred dollars. Most insurance plans cover at least part of emergency care. Louisiana Medicaid covers pediatric dental emergencies for eligible children. Many Lafayette pediatric dental offices offer payment plans.

Q: Can I take my child to the hospital emergency room for a dental emergency?

A: Hospital emergency rooms can help with facial trauma, heavy bleeding, or if you suspect broken bones. However, they usually cannot fix dental problems like knocked-out teeth or dental infections. They will stabilize your child and then refer you to a dentist. For true dental emergencies, calling your pediatric dentist or an emergency dental service is usually faster and more effective.

Q: My child's tooth turned grey a few weeks after they bumped it. What does this mean?

A: A tooth turning grey or dark usually means the nerve inside is dying or has died. Sometimes this happens right after an injury, but sometimes it takes weeks or months to show. Your child needs to see the dentist. The tooth may need a root canal to remove the dead tissue and prevent infection. In some cases, the tooth may eventually return to a lighter color, but this is rare.

Q: Should I wake my child up during the night to check on them after a dental injury?

A: If your child also hit their head and you are worried about a concussion, follow your doctor's advice about monitoring them during sleep. For dental injuries alone, you do not need to wake them unless they are showing signs of increasing swelling or having trouble breathing. Let them rest, as sleep helps with healing.

Q: Can antibiotics alone fix a tooth infection without seeing the dentist?

A: No. While antibiotics kill bacteria and help with symptoms, they cannot fix the source of the infection, which is the damaged or decayed tooth. Without dental treatment, the infection will come back after the antibiotics are finished. Your child needs both antibiotics and dental treatment to fully resolve an infection.

Q: Will my child need a root canal after tooth trauma?

A: Not always, but it is common, especially for knocked-out teeth that get replanted. The dentist will monitor the tooth over time. If the tooth shows signs that the nerve is dying (color change, pain, infection, or X-ray changes), then a root canal will be needed. Some teeth heal without needing a root canal, while others need one right away if the nerve is exposed.

Q: My toddler is constantly putting things in their mouth. When are baby tooth injuries really emergencies?

A: Baby tooth injuries are emergencies when there is heavy bleeding, visible damage to the tooth or gums, signs of infection (fever, swelling, pus), or if your child is in significant pain. Even if an injury seems small, call your dentist because damage to baby teeth can affect the permanent teeth developing underneath. Your dentist can tell you whether your child needs to be seen right away or if it can wait.

Q: My teenager broke a tooth and is really embarrassed about how they look. How can I help?

A: Reassure your teen that modern dentistry can restore teeth to look completely natural. Show them before-and-after photos if your dentist has them. Explain that many people have dental work, and no one will be able to tell once it is fixed. Get them to the dentist as soon as possible so they do not have to feel self-conscious for long. Some dentists can even do temporary fixes quickly to improve appearance while waiting for permanent treatment.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Dental emergencies are scary, but you now have the knowledge to handle them with confidence. Here is what to do right now, before an emergency happens:

1. Save your dentist's emergency number in your phone. Dr. Leslie Jacobs Pediatric Dentistry in Lafayette offers 24/7 emergency services. Save their number where you can find it quickly.
   
   
2. Put together your home dental emergency kit this week. You can gather most of the supplies from your bathroom and a quick trip to the drugstore. Having everything ready before you need it makes a huge difference.
   
   
3. Talk to your child about dental safety. Explain why mouthguards are important for sports. Show older children where you keep the emergency supplies. Knowledge helps reduce fear.
   
   
4. Schedule your child's regular dental checkup if it has been more than six months. Prevention is the best medicine. Regular visits keep teeth healthy and strong.
   
   
5. Take photos of your child's smile now while everything is healthy. If an injury happens, you will have before photos to show the dentist.
   
   
6. Share this guide with your co-parent, babysitters, and anyone who cares for your child. Make sure everyone knows the basics of dental first aid.
   
   

Why Choose Specialized Pediatric Emergency Care in Lafayette

When your child has a dental emergency, where you go matters. Pediatric dentists have extra training specifically in treating children's dental injuries and managing anxious young patients.

Dr. Leslie Jacobs Pediatric Dentistry in Lafayette specializes in emergency pediatric dental care. They understand that children are not just small adults. Their mouths are different, their teeth are still developing, and they need a different approach to care.

Benefits of choosing a pediatric dentist for emergencies include:

• Child-friendly environment that reduces fear
• Experience with pediatric dental trauma and how to save developing teeth
• Behavior management techniques to help frightened children cooperate with treatment
• Knowledge of how injuries affect developing permanent teeth
• Kid-sized equipment designed for small mouths
• Understanding of when sedation is appropriate for young children
• 24/7 availability for true emergencies

The office serves families throughout Lafayette, Carencro, Youngsville, Broussard, Breaux Bridge, and the greater Acadiana area.

Final Thoughts for Lafayette Parents

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, being prepared for dental emergencies and knowing what to do in the critical first minutes can save your child's tooth and prevent long-term problems.

Remember that the 30-minute window for knocked-out permanent teeth can make the difference between saving and losing that tooth. The sooner you act, the better the outcome.

Most importantly, stay calm. Your child looks to you to know how scared they should be. When you handle the situation with confidence and care, your child will feel safer and more secure.

Bookmark this guide so you can find it quickly if an emergency happens. Better yet, read through it with your family before an injury occurs. Knowing what to do ahead of time means you will not waste precious minutes searching for information when every second counts.

Lafayette parents, you have excellent pediatric dental emergency resources right in your community. Take a few minutes today to save emergency contact numbers and put together your home first aid kit. When an emergency happens, you will be glad you prepared.

Your child's smile is precious. With quick action and the right care, most dental emergencies have good outcomes. You have got this.

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