How can I help my child manage discomfort during orthodontic treatment?

For the first week after braces or clear aligners—or following adjustments—your child may feel soreness. You can ease it by having them swish with salt water (1 teaspoon in a cup of warm water), giving them acetaminophen or another non-aspirin pain reliever, applying a warm washcloth or heating pad, or offering a soothing treat like ice cream while they relax.

What’s the first step when my child complains of unusual pain or a problem?

Start by asking specific questions—Where is the pain? How long has it lasted? Did they use their mouthguard during sports? These details help determine the type of emergency and guide the next steps.

How do I best care for my child if they have a traumatic mouth injury?

If there’s bleeding or a knocked-out permanent tooth, you may need to head to the ER. For a knocked-out tooth, hold it by the crown, rinse it gently, and place it back in the socket, using a clean cloth to hold it in place, then call us immediately. If only soft tissue is injured, once healed, Dr. Black can resume adjustment where treatment left off.

What do I do about poking wires or wire irritations?

Try nudging the wire away with a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser. If needed, cover it with wax or a small piece of cotton. As a last resort, snip it with sterilized clippers. If irritation persists or you can’t resolve it, call us to schedule an appointment.

What should I do if a bracket or band becomes loose?

Contact us right away—Dr. Black may need to refit it. If it happens at night or on weekends, carefully slide the loose bracket off and keep it in a small plastic bag until your appointment.

My child lost a separator—what now?

It's common for separators to fall out during treatment. Just call our office to check if it needs replacement.

What if an elastic hook is poking and causing irritation?

Use a pencil eraser to gently push it back, or place orthodontic wax over the area to smooth it. If irritation continues, reach out to our office.

What should we do if my child’s face gets hit during a sporting event?

Schedule an appointment immediately to ensure their teeth and appliances are intact. If any appliance part broke off, bring it with you. And of course—always wear a sports mouthguard!

Common Dental Emergencies in Kids and What Parents Need to Know!

Dental injuries can be scary – especially when you’re not sure what’s a true emergency and what can be managed at home. At Ridgeview Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to help. As a Top Pediatric Dentist in the Denver metro area for 9 years and counting (thanks, 5280 Magazine!), our team has seen it all and we know how to guide you through it calmly and confidently.

Below is a parent-friendly guide to the most common dental injuries and what to do next. And remember: you can always call us at 303-650-0310. Whether you need to be seen right away or just want peace of mind, we’re here for you.

First Things First: When to Call Us vs. When to Head to the ER

If your child has any signs of head trauma, a fractured jaw, or uncontrolled bleeding, skip the dentist and head straight to the ER or call 911. For most other dental concerns, call Ridgeview – we offer tech-forward, expert care in a warm, kid-friendly environment your family already knows and trusts.

Common Dental Emergencies & What To Do

Cracked Tooth

Front teeth are usually the most vulnerable – playground spills, sports mishaps, or even a clumsy moment can cause a crack.
What to do:

Rinse the mouth with warm water
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
Give children’s Tylenol if needed
Call our office right away

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

These are common and often look worse than they are!
What to do:

Apply firm pressure with clean gauze
Use ice to reduce swelling
If bleeding doesn’t stop within 10 minutes, head to the ER

Knocked-Out Tooth

Baby Tooth: Find the tooth and bring it to us. Don’t try to replant it.
Permanent Tooth:

Hold it by the crown (not the root)
Rinse gently, then try to reinsert in the socket
If you can’t, place it in a glass of milk and call us immediately

Time matters! A permanent tooth has the best chance of survival if treated within the hour.

Bad Toothache

Toothaches can mean many things: a cavity, something stuck, or an infection.
What to do:

Rinse and floss to dislodge anything
If pain continues, schedule a visit right away

Abscess (Swelling or Severe Pain)

This is a serious infection that can spread quickly if left untreated.
What to do:

Call us as soon as possible. We’ll evaluate and treat promptly.

Tooth Sensitivity

Sudden pain with hot or cold foods may indicate injury or decay.
What to do:

Schedule an exam so we can determine the cause and offer a solution

Something Stuck Between Teeth

This is a common (and surprisingly painful) issue.
What to do:

Try using floss or a kid-friendly flosser
Do not use anything sharp
If it won’t budge, call us

Lost or Loose Filling

This exposes the inner tooth to bacteria and discomfort.
What to do:

Avoid sugary or hard foods
Call us promptly to replace the filling

Dental Concussion

A tooth that is knocked around but not knocked out can become discolored, meaning the tooth may be dying.
What to do:

Call to schedule an evaluation so we can monitor and treat as needed

Broken or Fractured Jaw

This is a true emergency and needs immediate attention.
What to do:

Try to keep the jaw immobile (a soft wrap or scarf can help)
Apply a cold compress
Go to the ER or call 911

Prevention Starts with Familiar Faces

Emergencies are a lot less scary when your child knows who’s helping them. At Ridgeview Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our board-certified doctors are dedicated to building trust and comfort at every visit. We recommend routine cleanings every 6 months – not just for oral health, but to help your child feel confident and safe with our team should the unexpected happen.

Our award-winning care, playful environment, and advanced technology help kids feel at ease – so they can focus on being kids.

In an Emergency, Trust Your Gut

Not sure what to do? Call us: 303-650-0310. We’ll help assess the situation and guide you every step of the way. If it’s more serious, don’t hesitate – call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.

Stay safe, stay smiling. We’ve got your back.