Dental TipsPediatric Dentistry |7 min read

Navigating Dental Emergencies in Children: What To Do and Not Do

by Dr. Greg Ayers

dental emergency

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Dental emergencies present unique challenges for parents and caretakers.
  • Being informed about steps to take (and things to avoid) is the best thing you can do to prepare for a pediatric dental emergency.
  • Equipped with the right information, parents and guardians can ensure the safety of their child and optimize dental health outcomes related to an emergency. 

According to a recent survey by The Journal of Pediatric Research, more than a quarter of all children visit the dentist for the first time as a result of a dental emergency.1 This is in part due to delays in scheduling a child’s first checkup (a topic for another time), but it also reflects the propensity of children to damage their teeth, gums, or mouth at play or during recreational activities, including sports.

Dental emergencies can be alarming and stressful for both children and parents. Whether it is a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or an injury to the mouth, knowing how to handle these situations can make all the difference in preserving your child’s oral health and minimizing pain and discomfort.

It can be difficult for parents to know what to do during a dental emergency, but being ill-equipped with information about how to handle them is the worst-case scenario. That is why I—someone who has decades of experience addressing pediatric dental emergencies—have put together a comprehensive guide, which provides parents with practical advice on recognizing, managing, and preventing dental emergencies in children. Keep reading to learn what to do—and what not to do—should you find yourself in this situation.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

According to the American Dental Association, a dental emergency refers to an acute oral health condition that demands immediate attention by a dentist or other healthcare provider. The urgency of the situation can stem from pain, bleeding, infection, desire to preserve a tooth, or some combination of these circumstances.2

Common Dental Emergencies in Children

Children are active and prone to accidents, making dental emergencies relatively common. Below are some of the most frequent issues parents encounter.

1. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out permanent tooth is a serious emergency requiring immediate attention. Quick action can increase the chances of saving the tooth.

Steps to Take:

  • Locate the tooth and, if possible, handle it by the crown (not the root).
  • Rinse it gently with water but avoid scrubbing or removing tissue fragments.
  • Attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket if possible. If not, store it in a plastic bag or other container, covered with milk or saline solution. These replace the hydrating characteristics of saliva, keeping the tooth from drying out.3
  • Seek immediate dental care within one hour of the incident for the best chance of successful re-implantation.

Note: For baby teeth, do not attempt reinsertion, as this could damage the underlying permanent tooth.

2. Toothache

Toothaches are one of the main issues we encounter at our office. While they often do not constitute emergencies, they can.

Toothaches are usually caused by cavities, infections, or injuries.4 Persistent pain should never be ignored. Especially if the pain suddenly increases or becomes unbearable for the child, seek immediate dental care.

Steps to Take:

  • Rinse your child’s mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area.
  • Use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be causing discomfort.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Administer child-safe pain relievers.
  • Schedule an emergency visit with your pediatric dentist to identify and treat the underlying cause.

3. Chipped or Broken Tooth

Accidents during play or recreation can lead to chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. The severity of damage determines the urgency of treatment. In most cases, seeking emergency dental care as quickly as possible minimizes the chances of further damage or related complications that are more difficult to address down the road.

Steps to Take:

  • Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.
  • Collect any broken fragments and store them in milk or saline solution.
  • Apply gauze to stop bleeding and use a cold compress for swelling.
  • Visit your dentist as soon as possible for evaluation and repair.

4. Abscess

A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection that forms a painful pocket of pus near a tooth or gum. It can lead to severe pain, swelling, fever, and even systemic infections, if left untreated.5

Steps to Take:

  • Look for symptoms like swollen gums, facial swelling, fever, or severe pain.
  • Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself.
  • Contact your pediatric dentist immediately for treatment.

5. Injuries to Soft Tissues

Cuts or tears in the gums, lips, or tongue are common during falls or sports activities. They often require seeing an emergency dentist.

Steps to Take:

  • Clean the area with warm saltwater.
  • Apply gentle pressure using gauze to stop bleeding.
  • Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • If bleeding persists or the injury is severe, seek medical attention immediately.

6. Orthodontic Emergencies

Children wearing braces may experience issues like loose wires or broken brackets. These situations should be addressed immediately, as they can present choking hazards or threaten to puncture the inside of the child’s mouth.

Steps to Take:

  • Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges causing irritation.
  • Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist for repairs.
  • Keep any broken appliance pieces for evaluation.

When to Seek Professional Help

While some minor issues can be managed at home, certain emergencies require immediate professional care. Below is a cheat sheet for such situations:

  1. Knocked-out permanent teeth
  2. Severe toothaches
  3. Abscesses
  4. Persistent bleeding
  5. Facial swelling or trauma

If unsure whether an issue qualifies as an emergency, err on the side of caution and consult your pediatric dentist.

First Aid Essentials for Dental Emergencies

Being prepared for a pediatric emergency is key. Having a dedicated, well-stocked kit can help you effectively manage situations before reaching a dentist. Include the following items:

  • Gauze pads
  • A plastic bag or small container with a lid (for storing knocked-out teeth)
  • Child-safe pain relievers
  • Saline solution
  • Contact information for your pediatric dentist

Preventing Dental Emergencies

Prevention plays a crucial role in reducing dental emergencies in children as well. Here are a few basic practices you can employ:mouthguard

  1. Use Mouthguards: Ensure your child wears a mouthguard during sports activities.
  2. Avoid Hard Objects: Teach children not to chew on hard items like ice or pencils.
  3. Maintain Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing reduce the chances of emergencies related to cavities, infections, and gum disease.6
  4. Routine Checkups: Regular visits to a pediatric dentist help identify potential issues early.

Learn More About Dental Emergencies and Children

I hope you found this information on dental emergencies in children helpful. These situations require prompt action and preparedness from parents.

By understanding common issues, knowing first aid steps, and seeking timely professional care when needed, you can protect your child’s smile and overall oral health. Prevention through safety practices and routine dental care is equally vital in minimizing risks.

iGrin is a dedicated pediatric dentist in Boiling Springs, SC. As a part of our comprehensive pediatric dental services, we offer emergency care for children. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

References

1. Buse Nur Cinar and Dilsah Cogulu, “A Retrospective Evaluation of Pediatric Dental Emergencies: Distribution, Limitations, Treatment Approach, and Parental Satisfaction,” The Journal of Pediatric Research, Vol. 12, No. 1, March 2025, https://jpedres.org/articles/a-retrospective-evaluation-of-pediatric-dental-emergencies-distribution-limitations-treatment-approach-and-parental-satisfaction/doi/jpr.galenos.2024.03342. .

2. “What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?,” American Dental Association, March 2021, https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/coronavirus/covid-19-practice-resources/ada_covid19_dental_emergency_dds.pdf.

3. Vineet I.S. Khinda, Gurpreet Kaur, Gurlal S. Brar, Shiminder Kallar, and Heena Khurana, “Clinical and Practical Implications of Storage Media Used for Tooth Avulsion,” Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, June 2017, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5571385/.

4. Jitendra Chawla, Samarjit Dey, Vamshidhar Chamala, and Sunit Kumar Gupta, “Nonodontogenic Causes of Toothache: A Case Series and Narrative Review,” Indian Journal of Pain, September 2024, https://journals.lww.com/ijpn/fulltext/2024/38001/nonodontogenic_causes_of_toothache__a_case_series.2.aspx.

5. “Tooth Abscess,” Mayo Clinic, retrieved on April 8, 2025, from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901

6. Mary Lynn Bosma, James a McGuire, Alicia Delsasso, Jeffery Milleman, and Kimberly Milleman, “Efficacy of Flossing and Mouth Rinsing Regimens on Plaque and Gingivitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” BMC Oral Health, February 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10837857/.

 

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