How to Find Dentists Open on Sunday

Can’t get to the dentist during normal business hours? Dealing with a dental emergency? Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth or a terrible toothache, at one time or another, your child will likely need dental care outside of typical business hours. Finding a dentist who’s open on Sundays can be challenging. Good news, though! There’s no need to wait until Monday. Kool Smiles Kids Club has partner dentists who are open on weekends.

Dealing with Dental Emergencies: How to Find a Dentist Open on Sundays

Accidents happen. The only thing you can control in this type of distressing situation is how you respond to it. Knowledge is power! To ensure the best outcomes after a dental emergency, you’ll need to arm yourself with information.

First things first – when there’s an emergency, a parent’s first instinct is often to head straight to the emergency room. An emergency room is not necessarily the best place to go if your child has a dental emergency. If your child has an injury that requires some sort of specialized dental intervention, an emergency room may not be equipped to handle it.

If you can find a dentist who can squeeze you in, that’s a better option. When you call, be sure to explain the nature of the accident. If you can’t find a dentist who’s available or the injury seems to extend beyond the teeth, call 911 or immediately make your way to the nearest emergency room.

A dentist should address the following common dental injuries:

A cracked tooth
A severe or unusually painful toothache, which could be a sign of something more serious
Bleeding gums, not caused by flossing
An object jammed between two teeth that won’t loosen up with floss
A knocked-out tooth, which requires urgent attention

How to Treat a Knocked-Out Tooth

How should you handle a knocked-out tooth? Knocked-out teeth aren’t uncommon. In fact, more than five million teeth are knocked out every year. A knocked-out tooth demands professional advice, even if it’s a baby tooth. When a baby (or primary) tooth has been knocked out, a phone consultation may be sufficient. If an adult (or permanent) tooth gets knocked out, though, you’ll need to take your child for an in-person appointment.

Time is of the essence when you’re dealing with a knocked-out tooth. Here’s what you need to know:

If you can locate the tooth, pick it up by the crown (the part that’s outside the gums). It’s essential you avoid touching the root (the part that’s typically hidden underneath the gums).
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it off with clean water. Don’t use soap and don’t brush the tooth. Again, try not to touch the root.
If possible, position the tooth back in the socket. There’s no need to apply a great deal of pressure – a gentle push with your finger should be enough. Have your child bite down on gauze, a cool tea bag, or a damp cloth.
The tooth should stay wet at all times. Saliva is sufficient – drinking something will increase the risk of swallowing the tooth, so we advise against it. Rinsing (cautiously) is fine. If you’re not able to put the tooth back in place, store it safely in a jar or bottle with milk. Do not store the tooth in tap water, as it can damage the root.
Head to the dentist immediately. The dislodged tooth can only stay alive for so long – the vitamins in milk, as well as its pH, will sustain the tooth for as long as possible, explains Joseph Orrico, DDS, president-elect of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID).

How to Treat Toothaches at Home

Toothaches are difficult to ignore, and they often require urgent attention. If your child has a toothache as the worst possible time, in the middle of the night on a Sunday, for example, these tips for relieving toothache pain can help minimize discomfort until you can get them to a dentist:

Apply ice or a cold cloth against that side of the jaw. This should alleviate soreness and swelling.
Make black or green tea. Let the tea bag sit until it’s warm (not hot), and have your child place the tea bag against the sore tooth.
Prepare a glass of warm salt water, and have your child swish it around and spit it out. Repeat as many times as you’d like.
Drop some clove oil onto a cotton ball and place it on the tooth. (Clove oil can act as a natural pain reducer.)

Keep in mind that a toothache is usually a sign of a more serious problem. While home remedies can temporarily reduce discomfort, you’ll still need to schedule an appointment with a dentist so they can identify the cause of the ache and decide the best treatment.

What Are Some Common Causes of Toothaches?

Infection
Trauma
Gum disease (gingivitis)
Grinding teeth
Tooth eruption
avities

A note on cavities:
Cavities aren’t uncommon in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in every five children has an untreated cavity. Catching cavities early is key.

Quality Dental Care Every Day of the Week with Kool Smiles’ Partners

Kool Smiles Kids Club has partner dentists who provide quality care to suit your schedule. Our partner dentists provide general services, such as cleaning, fillings, and routine exams. They also perform advanced and emergency orthodontic services, including root canals, bridges, wisdom tooth removal, crowns, and braces.
Best of all, our partner dentists go the extra mile to make children feel comfortable. Our kid-friendly partner dentists have plenty of experience treating children, and they know the ins-and-outs of caring for baby teeth, toddler teeth, and permanent teeth.
Preparing for your child’s first dentist appointment and not sure if it’s the right time? Schedule your child’s first routine exam within six months of their first tooth, or by the age of one (whichever comes first).

Kool Smiles’ Partners Educate Your Kids on Dental Health

Our partner dentists understand that children require special care, and they make an effort to provide quality information on kid-friendly healthy habits. Teaching your child to care for their teeth leads to better oral health, of course, but it also boosts confidence.
When a little extra help is required, here’s what you can do to help your kids take care of their teeth:

Brush your baby’s gums, even if they don’t have teeth yet.
Start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they come in, using a soft-bristle brush.
Incorporate fluoride (which is found in water, toothpaste, and certain foods) to prevent plaque buildup. Ask your dentist how much to use.
Teach your kids to brush their teeth at least twice a day (or after every meal).
Try to limit sugary foods and drinks, and encourage brushing immediately after a sweet treat.
Schedule routine exams with a dentist. Typically, that means every six months, starting no later than age 1.
Floss your child’s teeth, and when they reach school-age, teach them proper flossing techniques.

Take these important steps to minimize your child’s risk of developing cavities and other dental issues. Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which is largely preventable with good oral hygiene habits.

Convenient, Affordable Dental Care with Kool Smiles’ Partner Dentists

At Kool Smiles Kids Club, it’s our mission to connect families with qualified dentists who can provide quality dental care, regardless of financial circumstances. Our partner dentists are open convenient, extended hours. Some of our partner dentists are even available on Sundays to provide exceptional care at affordable prices.

Our partner dentists accept most major insurance plans, as well as military insurance plans, private dental insurance plans, and Medicaid. They also accept State Children’s Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP) and TRICARE, as well as cash, credit card, debit card, and CareCredit. At Kool Smiles Kids Club, we believe that the high costs of some dental services should never stop a child from getting the care they need.