A chipped tooth while playing ice hockey at Polar Ice in Cary? A midnight toothache? A rough fall on the playground at the Clayton Community Park? For parents in Cary and Clayton, knowing what to do in these moments can bring a lot more peace than panic. With Dr. Narineh Panoosian and Dr. Dan Howell at Southern Smiles in Cary, families know their little ones are in good hands when something unexpected happens. And for orthodontic concerns, Dr. Matthew McNutt offers support and guidance from McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton. Let’s begin by sorting out which dental surprises need a quick response, and which ones can wait until the next business day.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
From playground spills to late-night toothaches, not all surprises require a trip to the Cary Wake Med emergency room, but some definitely call for prompt attention. Knowing what qualifies as a dental emergency can save time and stress, especially when you’re trying to comfort an upset child. Here are some of the most common situations that need a quick response:
- Knocked-out tooth (baby or permanent)
- Chipped or broken tooth with pain or an exposed nerve
- Swelling or infection in the gums, cheeks, or jaw
- Severe toothache that keeps your child from eating or sleeping
- Objects stuck between teeth that can’t be removed with floss
Minor issues like small chips or mild tooth sensitivity can often wait until regular office hours, but if you’re unsure, it’s always better to call. Up next, we’ll walk through what to do at home while you’re getting help.
What You Can Do Right Away
While you’re making your way to the dentist or waiting for an appointment, there are a few things you can do to keep your child comfortable and reduce the risk of further damage.
For Bleeding
- Use clean gauze or a damp washcloth to apply gentle pressure.
- Have your child bite down softly if the bleeding is coming from the gums or a lost tooth area.
For Swelling or Pain
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce puffiness.
- Stick to soft foods and cool water.
- Avoid aspirin—it can irritate gum tissue if placed in the mouth.
For Orthodontic Discomfort
- If a bracket breaks or a wire starts poking, place orthodontic wax over the area to prevent irritation.
- Dr. Matthew McNutt at McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton can provide a quick fix for common orthodontic concerns.
For Pediatric Dental Needs
If your child chips a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, or the gums look injured, Dr. Narineh Panoosian and Dr. Dan Howell at Southern Smiles in Cary can help assess the situation and recommend next steps.
If your child’s dental emergency falls into the urgent category, here’s what to do in those moments that matter most.
When It Can’t Wait
Some dental issues need fast action. If your child has any of the following, here’s what to do until you can get to the dental team at Southern Smiles in Cary.
Knocked-Out Tooth
For a permanent tooth, gently rinse it (without scrubbing) and try placing it back in the socket or tuck it in a container of milk. Don’t try to reinsert a baby tooth, just keep it moist and bring it to the dentist.
Chipped or Broken Tooth with Pain
Rinse your child’s mouth with lukewarm water. If the tooth’s nerve is exposed (you’ll see a red or dark spot), cover it with dental wax or gauze and call Southern Smiles right away.
Swelling or Infection
Facial swelling can signal a deep infection. Apply a cold compress, keep your child upright, and head to an emergency dental visit or your nearest urgent care.
Severe Toothache
Persistent pain that interferes with eating or sleeping isn’t something to wait on. Offer soft foods and call for an appointment that day.
Object Stuck Between Teeth
Try flossing gently. If it’s stuck tight, don’t use sharp tools. Leave removal to the professionals!
Next, let’s talk about how to tell when it’s okay to wait and watch.
When Can You Take a Breath
Not every dental mishap needs an emergency visit. Some situations seem urgent in the moment, but can often wait for a regular appointment. If you’re unsure, the team at Southern Smiles is always happy to help you sort things out.
Here are a few examples of issues that usually aren’t emergencies:
- Mild Tooth Sensitivity: A little sensitivity after eating cold or sweet foods can be normal, especially if your child has a small cavity or new dental work.
- Minor Chipping Without Pain: A small chip that doesn’t hurt can usually wait a day or two, but it’s still smart to schedule a checkup.
- Mild Gum Irritation: Red or puffy gums from teething or brushing too hard often clear up with good hygiene and time.
- Lost Baby Tooth (No Trauma): If a baby tooth falls out on its own and there’s no bleeding or pain, you’re in the clear.
Coming up next, we’ll cover a few ways to prepare for the unexpected (just in case your child does need help fast).
What to Keep in Your Dental Emergency Kit
Having a few essentials on hand can make a stressful moment feel a little more manageable. A basic dental emergency kit is easy to put together and can help buy time until you reach Southern Smiles or McNutt Orthodontics.
Here’s what to include:
- Gauze pads for bleeding
- A small container with a lid (for storing a knocked-out tooth)
- Non-aspirin pain reliever
- Dental wax (especially helpful for braces irritation)
- Tweezers and floss
- Ice pack or cold compress
With the right steps and support, you don’t have to face dental emergencies alone. Southern Smiles and McNutt Orthodontics are here when your family needs care the most!
Keep Calm and Call Us!
Dental emergencies can catch any parent off guard, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Dr. Narineh Panoosian and Dr. Dan Howell at Southern Smiles in Cary and orthodontist Dr. McNutt in Clayton are here to help families across the Triangle handle those “uh-oh” moments with confidence. Call us today to schedule your free consultation or get fast answers when it matters most!