What to Do When Your Child Has a Dental Emergency

Kids are full of energy, and sometimes that energy leads to bumps, tumbles, and unexpected dental mishaps. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a painful chip, or a sudden toothache, knowing what to do for a dental emergency can make all the difference in keeping your child calm and protecting their smile.

So, here’s a quick, parent-friendly guide to handling common pediatric dental emergencies—because let’s be honest, kids keep us on our toes!

1. Knocked-Out Tooth

If your child knocks out a baby tooth, resist the urge to put it back in—it can harm the adult tooth developing underneath. Instead:

• • • Have them rinse with water to clean the area.
    • Use gauze or a clean cloth to stop any bleeding.
    • Call your pediatric dentist to check if a visit is needed.

For a knocked-out permanent tooth, time is everything:

• • • Grab the tooth by the crown (the white part)—avoid touching the root.
    • Give it a quick rinse with water—no scrubbing!
    • Try placing it back in the socket if your child can tolerate it. If not, store it in milk or saliva to keep it moist.
    • Get to the dentist within 30-60 minutes—acting fast gives the best chance of saving the tooth!

2. Intruded Tooth (Tooth Pushed Into the Gums)

If a tooth gets pushed up into the gums, it’s called an intruded tooth—and yep, it’s as uncomfortable as it sounds.

• • • Don’t try to pull the tooth down.
    • Apply a cold compress to help with swelling.
    • Call your dentist ASAP—X-rays are usually needed to see if the tooth will move back on its own or if intervention is needed.

Sometimes, baby teeth reposition themselves naturally, but permanent teeth may need treatment to prevent complications.

3. Chipped or Broken Tooth

Even a small chip can make a tooth extra sensitive, and bigger breaks may expose the nerve—ouch! If your child chips or breaks a tooth:

• • • Rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area.
    • Apply a cold compress to prevent swelling.
    • Save any broken pieces, if possible, and bring them to the dentist.

Your dentist may recommend bonding, a filling, or a crown to restore the tooth and keep their smile looking good as new.

4. The Mystery Toothache

Tooth pain has a way of showing up at the worst times. If your child suddenly complains of a toothache:

• • • Have them rinse with warm salt water—this can help ease irritation.
    • Check for food stuck between teeth and remove it with floss.
    • Use child-safe pain relievers if needed (but never put aspirin directly on the tooth!).
    • Call the dentist if the pain persists or worsens.

Toothaches can signal cavities, infections, or even injuries, so don’t ignore them.

5. Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek

A slip, a fall, or even a little too much enthusiasm while eating can lead to a painful bite on the lip, tongue, or cheek. Most minor bites heal fast, but here’s what to do for a deeper one:

• • Apply a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding.
  • Use a cold compress to help with swelling.
  • See a dentist or doctor if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes or if the wound looks deep.

Pediatric Dental Emergency Care at Blakeney Pediatric Dentistry in Charlotte, NC

Dental emergencies aren’t fun, but knowing what to do can make a stressful situation much easier. At Blakeney Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lisa Candon, Dr. Somto Akamnonu, and Dr. Cecilia (Sun) Hwang provide expert, kid-friendly emergency care to get your child feeling better fast.

If your child has a dental emergency, give us a call right away—because when it comes to little smiles, every second counts!

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Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0