🆘 Emergency Dental Care for Kids: What to Do and When to Act

As parents, we’re no strangers to unexpected scrapes and bumps—but when the emergency involves your child’s teeth, it can feel even more overwhelming. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth during a soccer game or a painful dental abscess, knowing how to act quickly can save your child’s smile and prevent further complications.

At Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, with convenient locations across San Antonio, Laredo, Lytle, Kerrville, and Rittiman, we’re here to support families with urgent pediatric dental care whenever you need it most.

⚠️ What Is a Dental Emergency?

Not every toothache is an emergency, but certain situations require immediate attention. Common dental emergencies in kids include:

• 🦷 Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
• 🩸 Cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth
• 😫 Severe tooth pain or abscess
• 🔥 Facial swelling or gum infection
• ⚽ Injuries to the lips, cheeks, or tongue
• 😮‍💨 Object stuck between teeth
• 😬 Orthodontic emergencies (like poking wires or loose brackets)

Not sure if it’s urgent? When in doubt—call us. Prompt evaluation can prevent permanent damage.

📞 What to Do During a Dental Emergency

🦷 If a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out

• Stay calm and reassure your child.
• Do NOT try to reinsert the tooth.
• Contact your nearest Tots to Teens location right away.

🦷 If a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out

• Hold the tooth by the crown (top), not the root.
• Rinse gently in water—do not scrub or use soap.
• Try to reinsert it into the socket or store in milk or saliva.
• See us within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it.

😣 If Your Child Has a Severe Toothache or Swelling

• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Use a cold compress on the cheek to reduce swelling.
• Call your closest location for same-day care.

😖 If a Bracket or Wire Is Loose

• Use orthodontic wax to prevent irritation.
• Do not attempt to cut a wire at home.
• Read about orthodontic emergencies and then give us a call.

🧑‍⚕️ When to Call vs. When to Go to the ER

Call Tots to Teens First if your child:

• Has a chipped, cracked, or knocked-out tooth
• Is experiencing dental pain, infection, or trauma
• Has a dental appliance causing discomfort

Go to the ER if your child:

• Has sustained facial trauma with bleeding that won’t stop
• Is unconscious or disoriented
• Is struggling to breathe or swallow due to swelling

Our team can often provide faster, child-friendly care than a general ER for tooth-related injuries.

🧸 Why Parents Trust Tots to Teens in a Crisis

• Same-day emergency appointments available
• Multiple locations including Kerrville, Laredo, Rittiman, Lytle & Culebra
• Bilingual staff to support Spanish-speaking families
• Trained pediatric specialists who excel in calming nervous kids
• Sedation dentistry available for pain management and comfort
• Accept most PPOs and Medicaid with flexible payment options

From toddlers with tooth trauma to teens with retainer issues, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help with compassion and speed.

📍 Find Emergency Dental Care Near You

No matter where you are—whether in Comfort, Fredericksburg, Medina, Mountain Home, or San Antonio—there’s a Tots to Teens office ready to help. Find the location closest to you on our locations page.

🔗 Explore More Helpful Blogs

• Signs Your Child Might Need a Root Canal
• Can Kids Get a Dry Socket After Dental Surgery?
• Celebrating Children’s Dental Health Month

📞 Stay Prepared. Stay Calm. We’ve Got You.

Dental emergencies can happen anytime—but with Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics by your side, you're never alone.

👉 Request an appointment or call now
📞 San Antonio (Culebra): 210-941-3059
📞 Laredo: 956-394-0377
📞 Lytle: 830-415-0201
📞 Rittiman: 210-361-5915
📞 Kerrville: 830-465-3791