A tooth emergency can happen when we least expect it. Accidents like falling off a swing at the playground, or being hit by a ball, can lead to your child having pain and/or bleeding. In such emergencies, it is important to know the correct steps to take before going to your pediatric dentist to fix the injury.

My child knocked out a permanent tooth

• Remain calm! Your child may be startled or scared, and will look to you to help soothe their panic and tell them what to do. Comfort them, and then distract them with something else, taking their mind off the accident.
• Look around and find the fallen tooth. Gently pick it up by the chewing surface. Do not touch the root!
• If the tooth appears clean and intact, carefully try to reinsert it into the empty socket in your child’s mouth. Take a piece of gauze or a clean cloth and have your child bite down on it to hold the tooth in place.
• If the tooth looks dirty or broken, or you think that you cannot reinsert it, place it in a container of milk or saltwater solution.
• Either way, get in to see your pediatric dentist ASAP!

My child chipped or broke their tooth

• Stay calm and comfort your child as best you can.
• Carefully place the broken piece in a container or milk or saltwater solution. Be gentle, don’t scratch or scrub it!
• Take your child to their pediatric dentist immediately! They may be able to reattach the piece!

My child cut their lip, cheek, or tongue

• Apply direct pressure to the injury to stop it from bleeding.
• If there is any swelling, apply a cold compress. A popsicle works great, and it can also help comfort your child!
• Give your child an age appropriate dosage of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage their pain.

My child has a toothache

• Rinse the area with saltwater to help soothe the pain.
• If you notice any swelling, apply a cold compress on the affected area
• Give your child an age appropriate dosage of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage their pain.
• Check out our blog post, Toothache: Getting to its Root, for more instructions
• Schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist so they can figure out the cause and cure for the pain.

Childhood is full of accidents. As much as we may try to keep our children safe, injury still sometimes occurs. Don’t risk your child’s dental health, call us immediately in case of oral injury.