Kids and Dental Emergencies: What Parents Need to Know Before You Get to the Dentist

Kids are adventurous by nature and sometimes that means their smiles take a hit. From playground tumbles to popcorn kernels, dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Knowing what to do in the moment can protect your child’s teeth, ease their discomfort, and prevent long-term problems.

Dental emergencies are more common than many parents realize. In one hospital study of children ages 3-13, nearly 40% of emergency dental visits were due to trauma - things like knocked-out teeth or broken appliances.

At First Impressions Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to guide you through the most common emergencies - what to do right away, why those steps matter, and what to expect once you’re in our care.

Knocked-out tooth

In a study of 25 permanent teeth replanted within one hour, 64% remained in their sockets after 5 years.

For avulsed (knocked-out) teeth, treatment within 30–60 minutes gives the best chance of success. (Delays after that reduce the long-term survival rate significantly.)

Do:

Pick it up by the crown (not the root). Remove any debris from the tooth. If it’s a permanent tooth, try to place it back in the socket or keep it in a container of milk, saline, or even the child’s spit.

Don’t:

Scrub the tooth or let it dry out.

Why milk?

Milk helps preserve the delicate cells on the root surface so the tooth has a better chance of reattaching. Milk is often more accessible at home or school than saline or solutions specific to tooth trauma (though many sports teams have these solutions in their medical kits!).

At the dentist

We’ll gently examine the area, often take an x-ray to check surrounding bone and developing teeth, and if it’s a permanent tooth, replant it and stabilize it with a splint. Follow-up visits are needed to monitor healing. If it’s a baby tooth, we won’t reinsert it, but we’ll check to be sure the permanent tooth underneath is protected.

Chipped or broken tooth

Do:

Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water, save any pieces if possible, and use a cold compress to reduce swelling.

Don’t:

Ignore it - even small chips can expose nerves and cause complications. It’s to have it evaluated by your dentist.

Why it matters:

Exposed inner layers of the tooth are sensitive and vulnerable to bacteria.

At the dentist

We’ll assess with an x-ray to see how deep the fracture goes. For small chips, smoothing or bonding is usually enough. Larger breaks may require a filling, crown, or in rare cases, root canal treatment if the nerve is exposed. Your child will be numbed for comfort during the procedure.

Severe toothache

Do:

Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove food debris. If pain persists, call us.

Don’t:

Put aspirin on the tooth or gums. It can burn tissue.

Why it matters:

A persistent toothache may signal decay, infection, or trauma.

At the dentist

We’ll take x-rays to identify if the pain is from a cavity, infection, or trauma. Depending on what we find, treatment may include restorations like fillings or crowns, pulpotomy (nerve treatment for baby teeth), antibiotics for infection, or other restorative care. Local anesthesia keeps your child comfortable throughout the treatment.

Bitten lip, tongue, or cheek

Do:

Apply pressure with a clean cloth and use a cold compress for swelling.

Don’t:

Panic. Most injuries heal quickly, but if bleeding is heavy or won’t stop, call us or head to the ER.

Why it matters:

Cuts inside the mouth heal fast, but deep or ongoing bleeding may need sutures (stitches).

At the dentist

We’ll examine the wound to be sure no teeth are damaged and check for foreign objects). In deeper cuts, stitches may be recommended. We may prescribe an antibiotic rinse or pain medication if the injury is more severe.

Broken braces wire or appliance

Do:

Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp ends. Call us for next steps.

Don’t:

Cut wires at home unless we’ve specifically advised it.

Why it matters:

Sharp wires can injure cheeks and gums, and broken appliances may slow orthodontic progress.

At the dentist

We’ll trim or reposition wires and check for mouth irritation or sores. If brackets are loose, we’ll bond them back on or replace them. Adjustments ensure your child’s orthodontic treatment stays on track.

Loose or lost filling/crown

Do:

Keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and call us promptly.

Don’t:

Delay treatment - exposed tooth structure can become painful or infected.

Why it matters:

Once a tooth is exposed, bacteria can quickly cause decay or infection.

At the dentist

We’ll clean the tooth, take an x-ray if necessary, and replace the filling or re-cement the crown. If decay is present under the old filling, we’ll remove it before placing new material. Local anesthesia may be used if the tooth is sensitive.

Object stuck between teeth

Do:

Try to gently remove it with dental floss.

Don’t:

Use sharp objects like pins or toothpicks.

Why it matters:

Objects can cut gums or push teeth out of alignment if not removed safely.

At the dentist

We’ll carefully remove the object with dental instruments and check for gum or tooth injury. An x-ray may be taken if we suspect something is lodged below the gumline. If irritation occurred, we may recommend an antimicrobial rinse.

Swollen gums or abscess

Do:

Rinse with warm salt water and call us right away.

Don’t:

Try to “pop” or drain swelling yourself.

Why it matters:

Swelling can mean infection, which spreads quickly if untreated.

At the dentist

We’ll examine the area, often take x-rays to see how deep the infection goes, and relieve pressure if there’s an abscess. Antibiotics may be prescribed, and we’ll perform treatment such as drainage, filling, or extraction depending on the cause.

Jaw injury

Do:

Apply a cold compress and stabilize the jaw.

Don’t:

Delay care if you suspect a fracture. Go to the ER.

Why it matters:

Jaw injuries may affect breathing, eating, and permanent tooth development.

At the dentist or ER

We’ll check jaw stability and take x-rays or other imaging. If fractured, treatment may involve stabilizing the jaw, prescribing pain medicine, and in some cases referring to an oral surgeon.

Other orthodontic issues

Loose bracket:

Save it if it falls off and bring it to your appointment.

Lost elastic or retainer breakage:

Call us to schedule a fix.

Why it matters:

Even small issues can delay treatment if left unresolved.

At the dentist

For a loose bracket, we’ll re-bond it or replace it. Lost elastics or broken retainers can be repaired or remade. These quick fixes keep your child’s orthodontic treatment progressing without delay.

When to call the dentist vs. head to the ER

• Call us first for most emergencies. We’ll help you decide the right next step.
• Go to the ER immediately if your child has uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or a suspected jaw fracture.

In the U.S., there were ~2 million emergency department visits in 2018 for dental conditions (all ages), which was ~1.4% of all ED visits.

Final tip for parents

Save our number in your phone right now 844-343-5437. In an emergency, quick action makes all the difference, and having us on speed dial gives you peace of mind.