Recorded on August 17, 2026
Recognizing Dental Emergencies in Children: Key Insights for Primary Care Providers
Oral health is an essential component of a child's overall health, yet dental concerns are often first identified in primary care, urgent care, or emergency settings. During a recent CHKD Provider Relations Lunch & Learn, pediatric dentist Ashley Anderson, DDS, shared practical guidance to help providers recognize common oral health concerns, support preventive care, and appropriately manage dental emergencies.
Prevention Starts Early
Establishing healthy oral hygiene habits early in life can reduce the risk of dental disease and improve long-term outcomes. Dr. Anderson reviewed current recommendations surrounding oral hygiene practices, fluoride use, and preventive dental care, emphasizing the important role medical providers play in reinforcing these messages during well-child visits.
Special consideration was given to families who rely on well water or have uncertain fluoride exposure. While fluoride levels can vary, Dr. Anderson emphasized that foundational oral hygiene recommendations generally remain the same and should continue to focus on consistent brushing, use of fluoride-containing products when appropriate, and regular dental care.
Recognizing Dental Emergencies
Dental injuries are a common reason children present to urgent care centers and emergency departments. Providers discussed how to distinguish injuries that require immediate intervention from those that can be addressed through outpatient dental follow-up.
Among the most urgent situations:
Avulsion of a permanent tooth
Significant tooth displacement that interferes with a child's ability to close their mouth
Severely mobile teeth that pose an aspiration risk
Prompt recognition and referral can help preserve dental function and improve outcomes for pediatric patients experiencing dental trauma.
Supporting Children with Complex Dental Needs
The session also highlighted the unique needs of children with medical complexity and special healthcare needs. Successful care often requires close collaboration between primary care providers, specialists, dentists, families, and caregivers to ensure comprehensive management and continuity of care.
The Value of Interdisciplinary Collaboration
As pediatric oral health continues to intersect with many areas of medicine, healthcare providers have an opportunity to improve outcomes through early identification, prevention, education, and timely referral. By understanding common dental concerns and emergency presentations, clinicians can play a key role in supporting the oral and overall health of the children they serve.
About the Speaker
Ashley Anderson, DDS, is a pediatric dentist at CHKD. She specializes in caring for children of all ages, including those with special healthcare needs, and is committed to advancing oral health through education, prevention, and collaborative care. Learn more about pediatric dentistry at CHKD
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