Dental Emergencies

There are a variety of dental concerns that can seem like an emergency. Here are some tips for what to do in most situations:

Toothache

Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be stuck. If the pain still exists, contact your child’s dentist. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply a cold compress and contact your dentist immediately.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call your medical provider or visit the hospital emergency room.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

You must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth. If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk, NOT water. If the child is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in their mouth (beside the cheek).

Knocked Out Baby Tooth

Contact your pediatric dentist. Unlike with a permanent tooth, the baby tooth should not be replanted due to possible damage to the developing permanent tooth. In most cases, no treatment is necessary.

Chipped/Fractured Permanent Tooth

Time is a critical factor, contact your pediatric dentist immediately so as to reduce the chance for infection or the need for extensive dental treatment in the future. Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken piece of tooth, bring it with you to the dentist.

Chipped/Fractured Baby Tooth

Contact your pediatric dentist.

Severe Blow to the Head

Call 911 immediately or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw

Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.