Quick Action Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and knowing how to respond quickly can make a big difference in protecting your child’s smile. Here’s a guide on how to handle common pediatric dental emergencies.

If Your Child Cuts or Bites Their Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling. If there’s bleeding, apply gentle but firm pressure using a clean cloth or gauze pad. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes or cannot be controlled, take your child to the nearest emergency room for immediate care.

If Your Child’s Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out

Act fast to increase the chances of saving the tooth. First, locate the tooth and handle it by the crown (top part), not the root. If necessary, rinse the tooth with cold water (never use soap), but avoid cleaning it too much. Check for any cracks. If the tooth is intact, try to reinsert it into the socket. Have your child bite down on sterile gauze to hold the tooth in place.

If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, transport it in a cup of the child’s saliva or milk. If your child is old enough, they can hold the tooth in their mouth (but don’t risk swallowing it). Immediate dental attention is critical – call our office right away for urgent care.

If Your Child’s Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out

In most cases, a knocked-out baby tooth doesn’t require treatment. However, it’s still important to give us a call so we can guide you through the next steps.

If Your Child’s Permanent Tooth Is Chipped or Fractured

For a chipped or fractured permanent tooth, call our office immediately. Quick treatment can help save the tooth, prevent infection, and reduce the need for more extensive care. Rinse your child’s mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you find any broken tooth fragments, bring them to the office with you.

If Your Child’s Baby Tooth Is Chipped or Fractured

Contact our office, even if the chip is minor. Be sure to check for any additional injuries, such as bruising or bleeding around the lip. Clean the area gently and apply a cold compress to minimize swelling.

If Your Child Has a Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw

If you suspect your child has broken their jaw, it’s important to keep the jaw as still as possible. Get your child to the nearest hospital emergency room for immediate care.

Preventing Dental Injuries

While dental emergencies can’t always be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

• Childproof your home to prevent falls and accidents.
• Don’t allow your child to chew on hard objects, such as ice or popcorn kernels.
• Always use car seats for younger children and ensure older children wear seat belts.
• If your child plays contact sports, consider investing in a custom-fitted mouthguard. Contact us to learn more about mouthguard options.
• Prevent toothaches and other dental issues with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups at our office.