Emergency Dental Care for Children in Calgary: A Parent’s Guide

Introduction

Children are full of energy, curiosity, and sometimes — accidents. From a tumble at the playground to a sudden toothache at bedtime, dental emergencies are common among kids. For parents, these moments can be stressful and confusing. Should you rush to the emergency room? Call your dentist? Or wait it out?

At Inglewood Family Dental Emergency in Calgary, we understand how overwhelming this can be. This guide will walk you through the most common pediatric dental emergencies, what you can do at home, and when to call us for same-day care.

Common Dental Emergencies in Children

1. Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

• Unlike adult teeth, baby teeth should not be reinserted. Doing so may damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.

• If your child loses a baby tooth early due to trauma, call us to check the area and discuss whether a space maintainer may be needed.

2. Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

• Permanent teeth can be saved if handled correctly. Follow the same steps as with adult knocked-out teeth: pick up by the crown, rinse gently, reinsert if possible, or store in milk.

• Call us immediately for the best chance of saving the tooth.

3. Toothache

• A toothache could be caused by cavities, infection, or even food stuck between teeth.

• Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove debris.

• If pain persists, call an emergency dentist.

4. Broken or Chipped Tooth

• Kids often break teeth while playing sports or after a fall.

• Save any fragments and rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.

• Cover sharp edges with wax or gum until you can see a dentist.

5. Soft Tissue Injuries

• Cuts to lips, tongue, or cheeks can bleed heavily.

• Apply gentle pressure with gauze and use a cold compress to reduce swelling.

• If bleeding won’t stop after 10–15 minutes, head to the ER.

What Parents Can Do in a Dental Emergency

1. Stay Calm

Your child takes cues from you. Remaining calm will help them feel safe.

2. Act Quickly

Time matters, especially with knocked-out or broken teeth.

3. Call Your Dentist

Even if you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, call us. We’ll guide you on what to do next.

Treatment Options for Kids’ Dental Emergencies

• Fillings or crowns for cavities or broken teeth.

• Pulp therapy (root canal for kids) if the nerve is infected.

• Space maintainers if a baby tooth is lost too early.

• Stitches for soft tissue injuries when needed.

FAQs About Children’s Dental Emergencies

1. Should I take my child to the ER or dentist?

Go to the ER for uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, or head trauma. For most dental injuries, see an emergency dentist.

2. What if my child is scared of the dentist?

At Inglewood Family Dental Emergency, our team is experienced in treating children. We use a calm, gentle approach to make them feel comfortable.

3. Does my child need treatment for a baby tooth?

Yes. Even though baby teeth fall out eventually, untreated damage or infection can affect speech, nutrition, and the health of adult teeth.

Prevention Tips for Parents

• Encourage your child to wear a mouthguard during sports.

• Teach good oral hygiene habits early — brushing and flossing daily.

• Avoid hard candies, popcorn kernels, and chewing ice.

• Schedule regular dental check-ups to catch problems early.

Why Choose Inglewood Family Dental Emergency for Kids

We know emergencies don’t always happen during office hours. That’s why we offer:

• Extended evening and weekend hours for urgent care.

• Same-day appointments for pediatric emergencies.

• Child-friendly, compassionate care tailored to young patients.

• Full range of treatments for both baby and permanent teeth.

Conclusion

A dental emergency can be scary for both children and parents, but quick action and the right care make all the difference. Whether it’s a toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken smile, help is only a phone call away.

➡️ Contact Inglewood Family Dental Emergency in Calgary today for compassionate, same-day emergency dental care for your child.

👨‍⚕️ About the Author
Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh is a general dentist in Calgary and the owner of Inglewood Family Dental Emergency. With over 10 years of private practice experience and a teaching role at the University of Alberta School of Dentistry, he brings both clinical expertise and academic knowledge to every patient interaction.