Pediatric Dental Emergencies

If your child has a bitten lip or tongue severe enough to cause bleeding, clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress (a cold, wet towel or washcloth pressed firmly against the area) to reduce or avoid swelling. Give us a call to help determine how serious the bite is.

If your child has something caught between their teeth, use dental floss to remove it gently. Never use a metal, plastic, or sharp tool to remove a stuck object. If you cannot remove the item with dental floss, call us.

If your child has chipped or broken a piece of a tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water, then use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Try to locate and save the tooth fragment that broke off. Call us immediately.

If your child has a tooth knocked out, find the tooth and rinse it with water (no soap), taking care to only touch the crown of the tooth (the part you can see when it's in place). Place the tooth in a clean container with milk.

Call us immediately and head to the hospital. If you act quickly, it's possible to save the tooth.

If your child has a loose tooth, it should be removed to avoid being swallowed or inhaled.

If your child complains of a toothache, rinse their mouth with warm water and inspect the teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them. If the pain continues, use a cold compress for relief.

Do not apply heat, aspirin, or topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, as this can cause damage to the gums. Children's pain relievers may be taken orally. Schedule an appointment immediately.

If you know or suspect your child has sustained a broken jaw, use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call our emergency number and head to the hospital immediately.

A broken jaw often results from a blow to the head. Severe blows to the head can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Here are some simple ways to help your child avoid dental emergencies:

• Child-proof your house to prevent falls and accidents.
• Don't let your child chew on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods.
• Always use car seats for young children and require seatbelts for older children.
• If your child plays contact sports, have them wear a mouthguard. Ask us about creating a custom-fitted mouthguard for your child.
• Prevent toothaches with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to our office.