Westmont (630) 541-8374 
519 N Cass Ave, Suite 102, Westmont, IL 60559
Villa Park (630) 541-8374 101 E. St. Charles Rd,Suite 101, Villa Park, IL 60181
Westmont (630) 541-8374 519 N Cass Ave, Suite 401, Westmont, IL 60559
Villa Park (630) 541-8374 101 E. St. Charles Rd,Suite 101, Villa Park, IL 60181
True dental emergencies are rare, but there may be times when you need to seek emergency care for your child. The pediatric dental experts at Westgrove Dental are here to ensure the health and safety of your child.
The most common dental emergency in children is a cracked or broken tooth. Children are involved in many activities that can result in an injury to a tooth, from bike riding to sports. If your child suffers an injury to a tooth that results in the tooth cracking, chipping or breaking, call our office right away so we can get your child in to assess the issue and determine the right course of treatment.
Children may also suffer from tooth pain occasionally. A toothache on its own isn’t generally a reason to schedule an emergency appointment, but there can be other accompanying signs that could be cause for concern. If there is bleeding or your child’s pain is severe, call our office so we can be sure there is no infection that could cause additional issues.
The most common cause of tooth pain is dental decay. Decay is caused by an infection that, if not treated, can spread throughout the tooth and even to other teeth and the gum tissue. If your child is experiencing severe or consistent tooth pain, it’s important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can address the source of the pain and perform the necessary treatment.
First, be sure your child does not have a serious injury that requires a call to 911 or visit to an emergency room. If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, place the tooth in milk or a container in which it can stay moist and call our office right away. If your child knocks out a baby tooth, bring it with you if possible, but it is not necessary to place it in milk.
If a tooth is cracked or broken, rinse your child’s mouth to clean the area. Cold compresses can be used if there is any facial swelling. Call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to clean the mouth. If your child will let you, gently floss between teeth to remove any food debris that may be stuck and causing irritation. For mild pain, you can use an over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain is severe or is accompanied by other symptoms, call our office right away to schedule an appointment.
We recommend that children who play sports or are engaged in activity where a blow to the mouth could occur always wear a well fitting mouthguard. This includes recreational activities, such as skateboarding, where a fall or injury could occur.
Dental emergencies can’t be planned for, but our office is always here and ready to help. To help your child avoid toothaches and dental pain, be sure they are visiting our office for regular checkups and cleanings. This can keep decay at bay and ensure your child’s dental health is preserved.
