What Parents Need to Know in Dental Emergencies
When accidents happen, knowing what to do can make all the difference. Below is a guide to help you handle common dental emergencies until your child can be seen by a professional.
Common Dental Emergencies
If your child is critically injured or needs immediate attention, call 911 right away.
Toothache Troubles
Gently clean the area around the affected tooth.
Have your child rinse with warm water or use dental floss to remove any trapped food.
Do not place aspirin on the tooth or gums.
If pain continues, contact our office as soon as possible.
Bitten or Cut Lips, Tongue, or Cheeks
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
If there’s bleeding, gently press with gauze or a clean cloth.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes, or it cannot be controlled, take your child to the nearest emergency room.
A Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Time is critical—act quickly:
Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (top), not the root.
You may gently rinse it with cold water—do not scrub or use soap.
If the tooth is intact, try to place it back into the socket.
Have your child bite down on a clean gauze to hold it in place.
If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in:
A container of the child’s saliva, or
A cup of cold milk.
(If the child is old enough and won’t swallow it, they may hold it in their mouth.)
Call our office immediately. The sooner we see your child, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
A Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
Baby teeth are not reinserted, but you should still call our office. Treatment may or may not be needed depending on your child’s age and the specific tooth.
Chipped or Broken Permanent Tooth
Call our office right away—immediate care can save the tooth and prevent complications.
Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to control swelling.
Bring any broken pieces with you to the appointment if possible.
Chipped or Broken Baby Tooth
Contact our office for an evaluation.
Check for any additional injuries, like bruised lips or gums.
Clean the area gently and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Suspected Broken or Fractured Jaw
Do not allow the jaw to move.
Take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all accidents are avoidable, you can take steps to reduce the risk:
Childproof your home to prevent falls.
Avoid giving children hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels.
Use car seats for young children and seat belts for older kids.
Ensure your child wears a mouthguard for sports. We’re happy to fit your child with a custom mouthguard.
Most importantly, encourage consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups to help prevent pain and emergencies before they happen.
If you have any questions or your child experiences a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call our office right away. We’re here to help protect your child’s smile every step of the way.
