How to Handle Dental Emergencies: A Parent’s Guide
Accidents happen—especially with kids. Whether it’s a tumble at the playground, a collision during sports, or sudden pain in the middle of the night, dental emergencies can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to do in the moment can make all the difference in protecting your child’s smile. Here’s a quick guide for parents on how to handle the most common dental emergencies.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your child’s permanent tooth is knocked out, time is critical:
Pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
If it’s dirty, gently rinse with water—don’t scrub.
Try to place the tooth back into the socket and have your child bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
If that’s not possible, place the tooth in a glass of milk or a tooth preservation kit.
Call your pediatric dentist immediately and head to the office as soon as possible.
For baby teeth, do not attempt to reinsert them. Still call your dentist to check for injury to the surrounding teeth or gums.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.
Save any broken pieces and place them in milk.
If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze.
Apply a cold compress on the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling.
Contact your pediatric dentist right away—small chips may be repaired quickly, while larger breaks may need more extensive care.
Severe Toothache
First, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.
Gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food.
Do not apply aspirin directly to the tooth or gums—it can cause burns.
If pain persists, call your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Toothaches can be a sign of cavities, infection, or other issues that need attention.
What Parents Can Do to Prepare
Emergencies are stressful, but being prepared can help:
Keep your dentist’s phone number handy.
Store a small dental emergency kit at home and in your car (gauze, small container, ibuprofen, and dentist’s contact info).
Make sure your child wears a custom mouthguard during sports.
The Bottom Line
Dental emergencies can be scary, but quick action and a call to your pediatric dentist can save your child’s tooth and relieve their pain. At All About Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help your child through life’s little accidents—so their smile stays strong and healthy.