A dental injury can happen in seconds. A child may fall on the playground, collide with another athlete, bite something hard, or wake up with severe tooth pain and swelling.
Knowing what to do next can protect the injured area, reduce discomfort, and help a dentist determine the appropriate treatment. This guide explains how parents and caregivers should respond to several common dental emergencies.
The information below is for general education and does not replace an examination by a dentist or physician. If you are unsure how serious an injury is, contact a dental professional for guidance.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental problem may require urgent attention when it involves:
- A knocked-out permanent tooth
- A broken or badly cracked tooth
- A tooth that has been pushed out of position
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Swelling of the face, gums, or jaw
- Bleeding that does not stop
- An injury involving the lips, tongue, cheeks, or jaw
- Signs of a dental infection
Some dental injuries look minor but affect structures beneath the surface. A dentist may need to examine the tooth and take X-rays to understand the full extent of the damage.
What to Do If a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. Acting quickly may improve the possibility of saving the tooth.
Follow these steps:
- Find the tooth. Pick it up by the crown, which is the white portion normally visible in the mouth. Do not handle the root.
- Rinse it gently if necessary. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk, saline, or the injured person’s saliva. Do not scrub it or use soap, disinfectant, or other chemicals.
- Keep the tooth moist. If you cannot safely return the tooth to its socket, place it in a small container of milk. Do not store it in plain water or wrap it in a dry tissue.
- Contact a dentist immediately. Tell the dental office that a permanent tooth has been knocked out so the team understands the urgency of the situation.
Parents should not attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth. Doing so could injure the permanent tooth developing beneath it.
If you cannot tell whether the tooth is primary or permanent, call a dentist and describe the child’s age, the tooth’s location, and what happened.
What to Do If a Tooth Is Chipped or Broken
A chipped tooth may cause pain, sensitivity, or a sharp edge that irritates the tongue or cheek. Even when the damage appears small, the tooth should be evaluated.
Have the child rinse gently with clean water. Save any tooth fragments you can find and bring them to the appointment. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face if there is swelling.
Do not place aspirin or another pain reliever directly against the tooth or gums. This can irritate or damage the tissue.
Contact a dentist promptly, especially if the child has significant pain, bleeding, sensitivity, or a visible red or pink area inside the tooth.
What If a Tooth Is Loose or Out of Position?
An impact can loosen a tooth or push it sideways, forward, backward, or deeper into the gums.
Do not force the tooth back into position. Encourage the child to avoid biting on it, and contact a dentist for instructions. Until the tooth is evaluated, offer soft foods and have the child chew on the other side of the mouth.
A displaced tooth may need to be repositioned and stabilized. Prompt evaluation is important even when the tooth remains in the mouth.
How to Handle Tooth Pain and Facial Swelling
Tooth pain can have several causes, including decay, an injury, a cracked tooth, or an infection.
Have the child rinse gently with warm water. Carefully floss around the painful tooth if you suspect food is trapped between the teeth. Do not place aspirin, alcohol, or other home remedies against the gums.
Contact a dentist if the pain is severe, continues, interrupts sleep, or is accompanied by swelling.
Facial swelling can indicate that an infection is spreading. Seek urgent professional care if swelling is increasing or involves the face or jaw.
Call 911 or go to an emergency department if the child has difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling near the eye or neck, a serious facial injury, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, or other potentially life-threatening symptoms.
What to Do After an Injury to the Lips, Cheeks, or Tongue
Rinse the area gently with clean water. Apply light pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding, and use a cold compress outside the mouth to reduce swelling.
Cuts inside the mouth can bleed heavily even when they are relatively small. Seek urgent medical or dental care if bleeding does not stop after steady pressure, the wound is deep or widely separated, or the injury may involve the jaw or facial bones.
Build a Simple Dental Emergency Kit
A few basic supplies can make it easier to respond calmly. Consider keeping the following items in your family’s first-aid kit:
- Clean gauze
- Disposable gloves
- Saline rinse
- A small container with a secure lid
- An instant cold pack
- Your dentist’s contact information
- A list of the child’s medications, allergies, and medical conditions
Parents may also want to share the dentist’s contact information with caregivers, coaches, and family members who regularly supervise the child.
Help Prevent Dental Injuries
Not every dental emergency can be prevented, but several precautions can reduce the risk.
Children should wear an appropriately fitted mouthguard during sports and recreational activities that involve contact, speed, falls, or flying equipment. They should also avoid chewing ice, hard candy, pens, and other objects that can crack teeth.
Regular dental checkups allow a dentist to identify weakened teeth and other concerns before they become urgent.
Be Prepared Before an Emergency Happens
During a dental emergency, the goal is not to diagnose the problem at home. The goal is to protect the child, avoid making the injury worse, and obtain appropriate care.
Green California Dental Group provides emergency dental care for patients in Burbank, Glassell Park, Eagle Rock, Glendale and the surrounding Los Angeles area. If your child experiences a dental injury, severe tooth pain, or concerning swelling, contact our team for guidance and appointment availability.