Accidents happen—especially with kids. Whether it’s a fall during playtime or an unexpected bump at school, dental emergencies can occur when you least expect them. Knowing how to respond quickly and calmly can make a big difference in protecting your child’s smile.
At Tebo Dental, we want parents to feel prepared when these unexpected circumstances arise. In this guide, we will walk you through common dental emergencies involving children and share practical first-aid tips to manage the situation until you can get professional dental care.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency includes any injury or issue involving the teeth, gums, or mouth that causes pain, bleeding, or damage. Common dental emergencies in children include:
- Knocked-out teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Toothaches
- Bitten tongue or lip
- Objects stuck between teeth
- Loose dental fillings or crowns (in older children)
1. Knocked-Out Tooth (Permanent Tooth Only)
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies that requires immediate attention.
What to do:
- Find the tooth. Pick it up by the crown (top), not the root.
- If dirty, rinse gently with water—do not scrub or use soap.
- Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket, and have your child bite down gently on a clean cloth or gauze.
- If reinsertion into the socket isn’t possible, place the tooth in one of the following:
- A container of milk
- A tooth preservation kit (available at pharmacies)
- Your child’s saliva (in a sealed container)
- See a dentist immediately because the sooner the tooth is returned to the socket, the higher the chances are of saving it.
Note: If the knocked-out tooth is a baby tooth, do not attempt to reinsert it, as this could harm the permanent tooth developing underneath. Instead, contact your pediatric dentist.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth
Chips and breaks can result from falls, sports injuries, or even biting something hard.
What to Do:
- Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.
- Save any tooth fragments you find.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Call your dentist right away, even for small chips—exposed tooth nerves can become sensitive or infected.
3. Toothache or Sudden Dental Pain
Not all toothaches require immediate attention, but if your child is experiencing severe or ongoing pain, it is important to seek professional care.
What to Do:
- Rinse the mouth with warm water.
- Use dental floss to remove anything stuck between teeth.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face.
- Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.
- Offer age-appropriate pain relief (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) if needed.
- Schedule a dental appointment—your child may have a cavity, abscess, or other issue.
4. Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek
These types of injuries can bleed heavily, but they are typically manageable at home.
What to Do:
- Rinse the area gently with water.
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- If bleeding does nott stop after 15 minutes, or if the wound is deep, seek medical attention or call your dentist.
5. Something Stuck Between Teeth
Children sometimes get pieces of food, string, or other objects lodged between teeth.
What to Do:
- Use dental floss to gently remove the object.
- Never use sharp objects (toothpicks, pins, etc.) to dig it out.
- If it doesn’t come loose, contact your dentist.
Tips for Staying Prepared
- Keep a small dental emergency kit at home and with you when you are on the go. Helpful items include:
- Gauze
- A clean container with a lid
- Dental floss
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- A tooth preservation solution (like Save-A-Tooth)
- Know your pediatric dentist’s emergency number or what to do after hours.
- Encourage your child to wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities.
When to Call Tebo Dental
Contact us right away if your child experiences a dental emergency so we can guide you on next steps and get your child seen as soon as possible. At Tebo Dental, we offer emergency dental care and are dedicated to protecting your child’s oral health with prompt, compassionate service.
