Whether it is a playground fall or lunchtime accident, dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them—even at school. Knowing how to respond promptly and properly can help protect your child’s smile and support a smoother recovery.
This guide is designed for both teachers and parents, providing first-aid tips for common dental injuries and guidance on when to contact a dentist immediately.
Common Dental Emergencies at School
The following are the most frequent dental injuries children experience at school, with steps on how to respond appropriately.
1. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
What to do:
- If it is a permanent tooth:
- Locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown, not the root, to avoid damaging it.
- Try to reinsert the tooth gently into the socket after gently rinsing it with clean water. Have the child bite down on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- If reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a glass of milk, saline solution, or the child’s saliva in a clean container. Do not use water.
- Call the dentist immediately for guidance and re-implantation. Time is critical, ideally within 30 minutes to an hour for the best chance of saving the tooth.
- If it is a baby tooth:
- Locate the tooth and keep it moist by placing it in milk, saline solution, or a clean container with the child’s saliva.
- Do not try to reinsert a baby tooth into the socket, as it can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
- Call the dentist immediately to schedule an evaluation and ensure the child’s mouth is healthy.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth
What to do:
- Gently rinse the child’s mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek or mouth to minimize swelling.
- Save any tooth fragments in milk or saline if available.
- Call the dentist promptly to schedule an evaluation to assess the injury and perform any necessary treatment.
3. Toothache or Oral Pain
Toothaches may be caused by cavities, gum infections, food stuck between teeth, or even minor trauma from biting something hard.
What to do:
- Rinse the mouth with warm salt water.
- Use dental floss to gently remove any debris.
- Apply a cold compress if there is swelling, but avoid applying heat or aspirin directly to the gums.
- Contact the dentist if pain persists or worsens.
4. Cut or Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek
What to do:
- Clean the area with water and apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth.
- Use a cold compress to control swelling.
- If bleeding does not stop after 10–15 minutes or the wound is deep, seek medical care immediately.
5. Jaw Injury or Suspected Fracture
Falls or sports-related accidents can sometimes cause jaw trauma.
What to do:
- Apply a cold compress to the area.
- Keep the child’s jaw stabilized if possible.
- Avoid moving the jaw or having them chew.
- Take the child to an emergency room immediately if a fracture is suspected.
When to Call the Dentist or Seek Emergency Care
Call a pediatric dentist immediately if:
- A permanent tooth is knocked out.
- A tooth is fractured, loose, or painful.
- The child experiences persistent bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection.
- The child complains of pain when opening or closing their mouth after an impact.
- You notice visible damage to the gums or teeth following an accident.
For serious injuries like jaw fractures or uncontrolled bleeding, go straight to an urgent care or hospital emergency room.
Tips for Teachers and School Staff
- Keep a dental emergency kit in the nurse’s office with gauze, gloves, a tooth preservation solution, and emergency contact numbers.
- Be aware of students with a history of dental problems, orthodontics, or recent procedures.
- Always notify parents immediately and document the injury, even if it seems minor at first.
What Parents Can Do
- Keep your child’s dentist contact information on file at school.
- Ensure your child wears a mouthguard during sports or recess if they play high-impact activities.
- Teach your child what to do if they lose or injure a tooth. Reassure them that it is okay to ask for help.
Final Thoughts
Dental emergencies at school can be scary, but with the right knowledge and quick action, most injuries can be treated effectively. The key is to remain calm, act fast, and contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
At Tebo Dental, we are always here for our patients—even in emergencies. If your child experiences a dental injury, don’t hesitate to call us. Our experienced team will guide you through the next steps and help get your child smiling again soon.
