Answers from our dentists
When something's wrong
When something goes wrong with your child's teeth, you need two things fast: what to do in the moment, and whether it counts as an emergency. This section gives you both — calm, clear, step-by-step — for the problems parents run into most.
You'll find exactly what to do the moment a tooth is knocked out (and how the steps differ for a baby tooth versus an adult one), how to handle a toothache or a chipped tooth, what treatment a cavity actually involves, and when a crown is the right call — including the natural-looking white option we offer. We also cover the worrying-but-common ones: bleeding gums, a possible abscess, and "shark teeth," with straight guidance on what's routine and what needs a same-day call.
Our guiding rule is simple: when in doubt, call. Many of these situations are easily handled and some resolve on their own, but a few are genuinely urgent, and we'd always rather hear from you early. Day or night, if your child has a dental emergency, call us at (201) 345-3637 and we'll tell you exactly what to do next.
- My child knocked out a tooth — what do I do right now? If it's a permanent (adult) tooth, act fast: pick it up by the crown (never the root), don't scrub it, and if you can, gently place it back in the socket and have your child bite on gauze. If you can't, store it in milk. See a dentist within 30–60 minutes. If it's a baby tooth, do NOT put it back — call us right away. Read the answer
- My child has a toothache — what should I do? Start gently: rinse with warm salt water, clear any food stuck between teeth with floss, and use children's pain reliever as directed for comfort. Don't put aspirin directly on the gum. A toothache usually signals something that needs attention, so call us to get your child seen. Read the answer
- My child chipped or broke a tooth — is it an emergency? It depends on the severity. A tiny chip with no pain can usually wait for a regular visit, but a large break, sharp edge, bleeding, or pain needs prompt care. Rinse the mouth, save any pieces in milk, use a cold compress for swelling, and call us to decide how urgently to be seen. Read the answer
- What happens if my child has a cavity? We remove the small area of decay and fill the tooth to restore it — usually a quick, comfortable visit. For tiny early cavities, gentler options like silver diamine fluoride may stop the decay without drilling. We'll always explain the plan and keep your child at ease throughout. Read the answer
- Are silver or white crowns necessary for baby teeth? When a cavity is too large for a filling to hold, a crown protects what's left of the tooth so it can do its job until it naturally falls out. We offer a choice most offices don't: natural-looking white zirconia crowns, alongside traditional stainless-steel crowns — so your child's smile can stay white. Read the answer
- My child's gums are bleeding — should I worry? Bleeding gums are usually a sign of mild gum inflammation from plaque — most often because brushing and flossing are missing the gumline. It's common and reversible with better daily cleaning. If bleeding is heavy, persistent, or comes with pain or swelling, give us a call to check for another cause. Read the answer
- Is a dental abscess in a child dangerous? A dental abscess — a pocket of infection, often seen as a pimple-like bump on the gum, swelling, or pain — does need prompt treatment. Call us the same day. If your child has facial swelling, a fever, or trouble swallowing, treat it as urgent and seek care right away, as infection can spread. Read the answer
- What are "shark teeth" (an adult tooth behind the baby tooth)? "Shark teeth" happen when an adult tooth comes in behind a baby tooth that hasn't fallen out yet, creating a double row. It's common and usually resolves on its own as the baby tooth loosens and comes out. If the baby tooth isn't loosening after a few weeks, give us a call to take a look. Read the answer
More from our blog
- Caring for a Knocked-Out Tooth After the ER The emergency is over; the marathon begins. A replanted permanent tooth is usually splinted for about two weeks and needs a soft diet, careful-but-real cleaning, and a scheduled series of dental follow-ups with x-rays — because the risks now are quiet ones the calendar catches, not the ER.Emergencies & Problems Say Cheez
- After a Baby Root Canal or Crown: What to Expect The big risks after a pulpotomy or crown are small ones: a numb lip that gets chewed, a too-crunchy first meal, and parental worry over normal one-to-three-day soreness. Guard the numb hours, keep foods soft today, brush the crown like a regular tooth, and know the few signs that warrant a call.Emergencies & Problems Say Cheez
- White Crowns vs. Silver Caps for Baby Teeth Both do the same job — save a badly decayed or treated baby tooth until it falls out naturally. Stainless-steel crowns are the durable, forgiving classic; white zirconia crowns look like a natural tooth and spare kids the silver-smile self-consciousness. We offer both and match choice to child.Emergencies & Problems Say Cheez
- The Holiday Travel Dental First-Aid Kit Dental trouble loves a holiday: hard candy meets a loose filling, a sledding face-plant meets a front tooth, all 400 miles from your dentist. A ten-item kit — gauze, salt packets, floss, wax, temporary filling material, and a small milk box among them — handles most of it until you're home.Emergencies & Problems Say Cheez
- When Does a Child Need an Oral Surgeon? A pediatric dentist may refer a child or teen to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon when a procedure involves impacted or extra teeth, complex roots, jaw cysts or lesions, facial trauma, biopsy, corrective jaw planning, or anesthesia needs beyond the office's scope.Emergencies & Problems Say Cheez
- Why Are My Child's Teeth Sensitive to Cold? Cold sensitivity in a child can come from a cavity, an enamel defect, an erupting or recently treated tooth, exposed root surface, a crack, grinding wear, or acid-related erosion. Brief sensitivity that stops when the cold is gone differs from lingering or spontaneous pain.Emergencies & Problems Say Cheez
- What Causes a Pink Baby Tooth? A pink baby tooth can appear after an injury causes bleeding inside the tooth, or when internal resorption removes dentin and allows reddish pulp tissue to show through. It is not a diagnosis by color alone.Emergencies & Problems Say Cheez
- Why Did My Child's Tooth Turn Gray After a Bump? A tooth may turn gray after a bump because bleeding or tissue changes occurred inside it. In a baby tooth, color alone does not always mean immediate treatment is needed; symptoms and follow-up findings matter.Emergencies & Problems Say Cheez