Dental Emergency

Handling Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Dental injuries can be scary for both children and parents—but they’re also very common. In fact, about one-third of children experience some form of dental trauma. The two most common risk periods are:

Toddlerhood (18–40 months) – when little ones are learning to walk and explore.
Ages 7–14 – when sports and active play increase the risk of mouth injuries.

Here’s a quick guide to common dental emergencies and how to respond:

Toothache

Toothaches are a common complaint and usually have an underlying cause, like food trapped between teeth, decay, or trauma.

What to do:

Rinse the mouth gently with warm water.
Check for food stuck between teeth and remove it with floss or a toothbrush.
Apply a cold compress to ease swelling.
Call your pediatric dentist if the pain persists.

Knocked-Out Tooth (Dental Avulsion)

Baby teeth are not usually reimplanted to avoid damage to developing permanent teeth.
Permanent teeth should be reimplanted as soon as possible—ideally within one hour.

What to do:

Find the tooth and hold it by the crown (not the root).
Rinse it gently with water—don’t scrub or scrape.
For older children, try reinserting it into the socket or store it in their cheek.
For younger children, place the tooth in milk or saliva (never let it dry out).
Go to the dentist or ER immediately. Time is critical!

Tooth Pushed Into the Gums (Intrusion)

A tooth may be driven into the jawbone from trauma.

What to do:

Rinse the mouth with cold water.
Use ice packs to control swelling.
Give appropriate pain relief (e.g., Children’s Tylenol).
Contact your dentist right away.

Tooth Displacement (Luxation, Extrusion, Lateral Movement)

A tooth may be partially pushed out of place or shifted sideways.

What to do:

Apply a cold compress to the face.
Give pain relief if needed.
Seek dental care immediately, especially for permanent teeth.

Chipped or Broken Tooth (Crown Fracture)

If the visible part of the tooth is chipped or cracked, treatment depends on the severity.

What to do:

Rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress.
If there's pain or sharp edges, give pain relief and cover the area with soft wax or gauze.
Call your dentist, especially if the tooth changes color or is sensitive.

Root Fracture

This injury is not always visible and must be diagnosed with X-rays.

What to do:

Apply a cold compress.
Offer pain relief.
Schedule an urgent dental evaluation.

Tooth Concussion

A “bumped” tooth that hasn’t moved or broken may still darken or discolor over time.

What to do:

Monitor the tooth for changes in color or sensitivity.
If the tooth turns dark or black, contact your dentist, as it may need further treatment.

Soft Tissue Injuries (Cheek, Lip, or Tongue)

Cuts or bites to the mouth can bleed a lot but are often manageable at home.

What to do:

Apply firm pressure with clean gauze to stop bleeding.
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10–15 minutes, go to the ER.

Suspected Broken Jaw

Jaw fractures are serious and need immediate medical care.

What to do:

Do not let your child move their jaw.
Gently secure the jaw (a scarf can help keep it still).
Go to the Emergency Room immediately.

Head Injury Along with Dental Trauma

If your child has hit their head—even without losing consciousness—go straight to the ER. A medical team should rule out concussion or internal bleeding.

When in Doubt, Call Us

Dental injuries may look different than they feel, and quick action can make a big difference—especially for saving permanent teeth. If you're unsure what to do, call your dentist or visit the nearest emergency facility. We’re here to help you protect your child’s smile.

Home