It happens in an instant. One moment, your child is running on the playground, bouncing on the trampoline, or biting into an apple, and the next, there’s a tooth on the ground, a crack you can see, or a mouth full of tears.
Dental emergencies in kids are more common than most parents expect. And while they’re scary in the moment, knowing what to do (and what NOT to do) can make a real difference in saving a tooth or preventing further damage.
Bookmark this post. Print it out. Save it in your phone. Because when a dental emergency happens, you won’t want to be searching the internet in a panic.
First, Stay Calm
Your child is already upset. The more calm and reassuring you can be, the better, both for their emotional state and your ability to assess what’s actually happening. Take a breath, get a good look at the damage, and use this guide to figure out your next steps.
The Most Common Kids’ Dental Emergencies
A Tooth Gets Knocked Out
This is the one that causes the most panic, and rightfully so. But quick action can sometimes save the tooth.
If it’s a PERMANENT (adult) tooth:
- Find the tooth. Pick it up by the crown (the white part you can see), never by the root.
- Don’t scrub it. If it’s dirty, gently rinse it with milk or clean water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not use soap, and do not dry it.
- Try to reinsert it. If your child is old enough and calm enough, gently place the tooth back into the socket and have them hold it in place by biting down softly on a clean cloth.
- If you can’t reinsert it, store it properly. Place it in a small container of cold milk, or tuck it between your child’s cheek and gum (if they’re old enough not to swallow it). Time is critical; tooth survival drops significantly after 30 minutes outside the mouth.
- Call us immediately and head to our office. This is a true emergency.
If it’s a BABY tooth:
Baby teeth that are knocked out are generally NOT reinserted; doing so can damage the developing adult tooth underneath. However, you should still call us right away so we can examine the area, check for any remaining tooth fragments, and make sure the gum and jaw are okay.
A Chipped or Fractured Tooth
Chips range from minor (a small corner of enamel) to serious (a crack that reaches the nerve). Here’s how to respond:
- Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Find the broken piece if you can, bring it with you to the appointment. In some cases, it can be reattached.
- Apply a cold compress to the face to reduce any swelling.
- Check for pain. Minor chips may be painless. If your child is in significant pain, is sensitive to temperature, or the chip is large, this is urgent; call us the same day.
- Cover a sharp edge if needed. A small piece of dental wax (available at most pharmacies) can temporarily smooth a jagged edge that’s cutting the tongue or cheek.
Minor chips can often wait for a regular appointment. Deeper fractures should be seen as soon as possible.
A Tooth Is Pushed Out of Position
Sometimes a tooth doesn’t come out entirely; it gets pushed sideways, forward, backward, or deeper into the gum. This is called a luxation injury, and it needs to be evaluated by a dentist promptly.
Do not try to move the tooth back yourself. Apply a cold compress for swelling, give an age-appropriate pain reliever if needed, and call us right away. For baby teeth, we may monitor and allow the tooth to reposition on its own. For permanent teeth, prompt treatment is important to preserve the tooth and surrounding bone.
A Severe Toothache
If your child is in significant pain from a tooth, don’t wait. Severe toothaches can signal an infection, an abscess, or a cavity that has reached the nerve — all of which need professional treatment.
While you wait for your appointment:
- Give age-appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen, never aspirin for children)
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek
- Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
If your child’s face is swelling, especially near the jaw or below the eye, go to an emergency room. Dental abscesses can spread quickly and become medically serious.
A Broken Braces Wire or Bracket
If your child is in orthodontic treatment and a wire breaks or a bracket pops off:
- Use a pencil eraser or clean cotton swab to gently push a poking wire away from the cheek or gum
- Cover any sharp ends with orthodontic wax
- Do not cut the wire; a cut piece can be swallowed or inhaled
- Call our office to schedule a repair. Broken hardware can slow treatment progress if left unaddressed
A Lost Filling or Crown
If a filling falls out, the exposed tooth can be quite sensitive. In the short term:
- Avoid chewing on that side
- Use dental cement (available at pharmacies) as a temporary fix
- Call us for an appointment
Lost crowns on baby teeth are usually less urgent, but we still want to see your child soon to prevent sensitivity and shifting.
What to Keep in Your Home Dental Emergency Kit
Being prepared takes the stress out of the moment. We recommend keeping the following items on hand:
- Dental wax (for broken braces or sharp edges)
- A small clean container with a lid (to store a knocked-out tooth in milk)
- Gauze pads
- Cold pack
- Children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen
When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead
Most dental emergencies can be handled by your pediatric dentist. However, go to the ER if:
- There is significant bleeding that won’t stop after 10–15 minutes of pressure
- Your child has a facial fracture or jaw injury
- Facial or throat swelling is spreading rapidly
- Your child has lost consciousness after a facial injury