What to Do When Your Child Has a Dental Emergency in Tewksbury, MA
Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, during a game, at school, or even at bedtime. As a parent, it’s hard to know what’s normal and what needs immediate attention. That’s why we created this guide to help you respond with confidence, keep your child calm, and know when to call the dentist.
Serving families in Tewksbury, Andover, Wilmington, Billerica, and nearby communities
Common Dental Emergencies in Children
If your child experiences any of the following, contact our office right away:
Severe toothache or swelling
Knocked-out baby or permanent tooth
Chipped or fractured tooth
Object stuck between teeth
Lip, cheek, or tongue injury
Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes
Loose or dislodged tooth after trauma
Jaw pain or trouble opening the mouth
Pimple-like bump on gums (possible abscess)
Severe toothache or swelling
Knocked-out baby or permanent tooth
Chipped or fractured tooth
Object stuck between teeth
Lip, cheek, or tongue injury
Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes
Loose or dislodged tooth after trauma
Jaw pain or trouble opening the mouth
Pimple-like bump on gums (possible abscess)
When in doubt, call us. We’ll talk you through what’s urgent and what can wait.
What Parents Can Do Before the Appointment
Toothache
- Rinse with warm water
- Floss gently to remove trapped food
- Apply a cold compress for swelling
- Do not place aspirin directly on the gums
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
- Find the tooth and rinse gently with water (no scrubbing)
- Try placing it back in the socket if your child allows
- If not, store it in milk or saliva (not water)
- Call us immediately — time is critical
Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
- Do not try to reinsert
- Control bleeding with gauze
- Call our office to ensure the tooth came out safely and no fragments remain
Chipped or Broken Tooth
- Rinse with warm water
- Save any pieces if possible
- Use a cold compress for swelling
- Avoid hot or cold foods
Soft Tissue Injuries (Lips, Gums, Tongue)
- Clean the area gently
- Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth
- Use a cold compress
- If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, call us or go to urgent care
When to Go to the ER
If your child has:
Uncontrollable bleeding
A possible broken jaw
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Head injury with loss of consciousness
Uncontrollable bleeding
A possible broken jaw
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Head injury with loss of consciousness
Go to the nearest emergency room or dial 911. Then call our office to coordinate dental follow-up care.
How Pediatric Dentistry and Beyond Handles Emergencies
Led by Dr. Jasveen Singh, our team is trained to:
Quickly assess and treat dental injuries
Calm anxious or sensitive children
Offer same-day appointments whenever possible
Explain everything in kid-friendly terms
Collaborate with parents at every step
We offer gentle care in a familiar, child-focused environment — even when things feel scary or stressful.
Be Prepared: Emergency Tips for Parents
Save our number in your phone: (978) 851-6334
Create a small dental first aid kit with:
Gauze
Saline or salt water rinse
Cold compress
A small container with a lid
Talk to your child about staying calm and coming to you if they’re hurt
Know your nearest emergency room and urgent care locations
- Save our number in your phone: (978) 851-6334
- Create a small dental first aid kit with:
- Gauze
- Saline or salt water rinse
- Cold compress
- A small container with a lid
- Talk to your child about staying calm and coming to you if they’re hurt
- Know your nearest emergency room and urgent care locations
Preventing Dental Emergencies at Home
Not all emergencies are avoidable, but these steps can help:
Use mouth guards during sports and recreational activities
Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pencils
Supervise younger children during play
Maintain regular dental checkups to catch issues early
Use mouth guards during sports and recreational activities
Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pencils
Supervise younger children during play
Maintain regular dental checkups to catch issues early
We’re happy to create a custom mouth guard for your child — just ask during your next visit!
Contact Us for Emergency Support
Pediatric Dentistry and Beyond
We proudly serve families across Tewksbury, Andover, Billerica, Wilmington, and surrounding towns. If your child is in pain or injured, don’t wait — we’re here to help with fast, friendly, expert care.
Schedule Your Visit!
Call now or book online — and let us help protect your child’s smile and your peace of mind.