Updated in August 2025
It's scary when your child has a dental emergency or experiences tooth pain!
Summer is approaching, and so are dental injuries related to outdoor activities and sports. Kids may get injured while enjoying the days of summer, but fortunately, there are many ways to prevent or minimize dental emergencies. Whether it's a chipped tooth or a toothache that is bothering your little one, we make sure to take time to see them in our dental office. We set aside time in each daily schedule so that we can handle children's dental emergencies, and we provide same-day treatment whenever it's possible.
Common Dental Emergencies We Handle at Jerger Pediatric Dentistry
The first step during a tooth emergency in Decatur is to contact our team. We'll assess your child's condition over the phone and determine if they need immediate attention or a future appointment. Some of the common dental emergencies we handle are:
- Knocked-out tooth
- Facial trauma
- Decayed, broken, or damaged teeth
- Toothaches or abscesses
- Facial swelling
Here are some tips on what you can do at home for your child while they're waiting to see their pediatric dentist:
- Cold compress: Using a cold compress for 20-minute intervals can help reduce swelling.
- Warm salt-water rinses: Having your child swish and spit a warm salt-water rinse helps to soothe irritated gums and teeth.
- Gather broken pieces: If your child breaks a tooth, gather the pieces and bring them with you if possible.
- Ibuprofen: Use over-the-counter medication to reduce pain and swelling while waiting to see the dentist.
Please Don't Wait to Call Us!
Our team wants to prevent your child from experiencing pain, so please don't delay calling in case of a tooth emergency. If your family has a dental emergency in Decatur when our office is closed, please call our team at (217) 875-3080 for instructions on how to reach our after-hours contact.