Pediatric Dental Emergencies
A dental injury or sudden toothache can be upsetting for both children and parents. Contact our office for guidance so we can help determine how soon your child should be seen.
Common pediatric dental emergencies
- A chipped, broken, or knocked-out tooth
- Swelling or pain in the gums, face, or jaw
- A toothache that persists or worsens
- A cut or bite to the lip or tongue with bleeding
- An object stuck between the teeth that you cannot gently remove
What to do in an emergency
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline; do not scrub it. Keep it moist in milk or saliva and contact a dentist immediately. Do not try to reinsert a baby tooth. For a chipped tooth, save any pieces and call us for advice.
When to call us
Call our office promptly after a dental injury or for significant or worsening tooth pain. For trouble breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding that will not stop, or a serious injury to the face or jaw, seek emergency medical care.
