Kids’ Dental Emergencies: What Should Parents Do?

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

This is the most time-sensitive dental emergency. If your child knocks out a permanent (adult) tooth:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), never the root
• Rinse it gently with milk or water if dirty — do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue
• Try to reinsert it into the socket and have your child bite gently on clean gauze to hold it in place
• If you can’t reinsert it, keep it in milk (not water) or in your child’s saliva, and bring it with you
• Call us immediately — aim to be seen within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth

Important: a knocked-out baby tooth should not be reinserted, because it can damage the developing adult tooth underneath. Still call us — we’ll want to check the area.

Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth

A broken tooth ranges from a minor chip to a painful fracture. To handle it:

• Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area
• Save any broken pieces in milk or water and bring them to the appointment
• Apply a cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling and ease pain
• Call the office — even a small chip should be evaluated, and a deep crack may need prompt treatment such as a filling or crown

Severe Toothache

A persistent or severe toothache can signal decay, infection, or something lodged between the teeth. While you arrange an appointment:

• Rinse with warm water and gently floss around the tooth to dislodge any trapped food
• Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek for swelling
• Give age-appropriate pain relief (such as children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen) per the label
• Never place aspirin directly on the gums — it can burn the tissue
• Call us if pain is severe, persistent, or comes with fever or facial swelling — these can indicate infection that needs prompt care

Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek

Soft-tissue injuries can bleed a lot and look alarming, but many can be managed at home:

• Clean the area gently with water
• Apply firm, steady pressure with clean gauze or cloth for several minutes
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Seek care if bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 to 15 minutes, or if the cut is deep or gaping

Object Stuck Between Teeth

If something is caught between your child’s teeth:

• Try gentle flossing to remove it — never use a pin, needle, or other sharp object
• Don’t force it — if it won’t come free, call us rather than risk injuring the gum

What Counts as a True Emergency vs. What Can Wait

Call for immediate or same-day care for: a knocked-out permanent tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, facial swelling, or a fever with a dental problem. Situations that usually can wait a day or two — but still need an appointment — include a small chip with no pain, a lost filling, or mild sensitivity. When in doubt, call us and describe what’s happening; we’ll help you decide.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Many childhood dental emergencies are preventable. A few habits make a real difference:

• Custom sports guards for any child playing contact or high-impact sports — our custom guards protect far better than boil-and-bite versions
• Regular cleanings and exams catch decay before it turns into a painful emergency — see our cleanings and exams
• Avoid chewing ice and hard candy, which crack teeth
• Childproof for toddlers — many injuries in young children come from falls