Top Orthodontist and Pediatric Dentist in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Emergency Dental Care
Life Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Emergency Contact Information
At Life Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we prioritize your child’s health and well-being. For our patients of record, we offer 24/7 access to a doctor in case of a true dental emergency.
If Your Child Has a Toothache
Thoroughly clean the area around the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth with warm water or use dental floss to remove any trapped food or debris. If the pain persists, contact our office immediately. Do not place aspirin on the gums or the aching tooth.
Bitten or Cut Lips, Tongues Or Cheeks
Apply ice to the bruised area. If there is bleeding, apply gentle but firm pressure using a gauze pad or a clean cloth. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes or is uncontrollable, take your child to the nearest emergency room.
If Your Child’s Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out
Locate the tooth and handle it by the crown (the top part), avoiding contact with the root. Rinse the tooth with cold water (no soap), but avoid unnecessary handling. If the tooth is intact, try to gently reinsert it into the socket and have your child bite down on sterile gauze to hold it in place. Contact our office immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.
If you cannot reinsert the tooth, place it in a cup of the patient’s saliva or milk. If the child is old enough and unlikely to swallow it, the tooth can be kept in the child’s mouth. Act quickly—time is crucial in saving the tooth.
If Your Child’s Baby Tooth is Knocked Out
Contact our office to schedule an appointment. Depending on the child’s age and the specific tooth involved, treatment may or may not be necessary.
If Your Child’s Permanent Tooth is Chipped or Fractured
Call our office immediately—your child will likely need to be seen as soon as possible. Prompt action can save the tooth, prevent infection, and minimize the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse your child’s mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you can find any broken tooth fragments, bring them with you to the appointment.
If Your Child’s Baby Tooth is Chipped or Fractured
Contact our office. Meanwhile, check for other injuries, such as a bruised or bleeding lip. Clean the area and apply a cold compress to prevent further swelling.
If Your Child Suffers A Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw
Keep the jaw stable and take your child to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Avoiding Injury
You can help minimize the risk of dental emergencies by taking a few simple precautions. Childproof your home to prevent falls, and discourage your child from chewing on hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels. Always use car seats for younger children and seat belts for older kids. If your child participates in contact sports, make sure they wear a mouthguard—ask us about creating a custom-fitted mouthguard for optimal protection.
Lastly, regular brushing, flossing, and routine visits to our office are essential in preventing toothaches and maintaining your child’s dental health.