Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. From a knocked-out tooth on the playground to a sudden toothache in the middle of the night, these situations require quick thinking and prompt action. Knowing how to respond to common dental emergencies can make a significant difference in preserving your child’s oral health and preventing long-term complications.
At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, we understand how stressful dental emergencies can be for both children and parents. Our Nassau County emergency pediatric dentists are experienced in handling all types of dental emergencies with compassion and expertise, providing prompt care when your child needs it most.
Recognizing Dental Emergencies
The first step in handling a dental emergency is recognizing when immediate care is needed. Some situations clearly require urgent attention, while others can wait for a regular appointment. Here are common dental emergencies in children:
True Emergencies (Require immediate care):
- Knocked-out (avulsed) permanent tooth
- Displaced tooth that has moved from its normal position
- Fractured tooth with pain or exposed nerve
- Facial trauma with potential jaw fracture
- Severe bleeding from the mouth that doesn’t stop
- Significant oral pain that prevents eating, drinking, or sleeping
Urgent Situations (Require prompt but not immediate care):
- Chipped tooth without pain
- Lost filling or crown
- Object caught between teeth that can’t be removed with floss
- Minor oral lacerations or abrasions
- Moderate toothache that responds to over-the-counter pain relievers
When in doubt about the seriousness of a dental situation, it’s always best to call your pediatric dentist for guidance. Our office maintains time in our schedule specifically for emergency appointments, and we can help determine the appropriate timing for treatment.
First Aid for Common Dental Emergencies
Knowing what to do in the critical moments after a dental injury can significantly impact the outcome. Here are step-by-step instructions for handling common emergencies:
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
If your child loses a permanent tooth due to trauma, time is of the essence. The tooth has the best chance of being saved if it’s reimplanted within 30-60 minutes.
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root
- Gently rinse it with milk or saline solution if dirty (do not scrub or use soap)
- If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in milk, saline solution, or saliva (have your child hold it in their cheek if they’re old enough)
- Get to a dentist immediately
Note: This approach is only for permanent teeth. A knocked-out baby tooth should not be reimplanted, as this could damage the developing permanent tooth beneath.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
For a fractured tooth:
- Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water
- Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
- If you can find the broken piece, bring it with you to the dentist
- For pain, give appropriate over-the-counter pain relievers
- See your dentist as soon as possible, especially if the break is large or exposes the inner part of the tooth
Toothache
For a child with a toothache:
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Check for food trapped between teeth and remove gently with floss
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for swelling
- Give appropriate over-the-counter pain medication, following dosage guidelines for children
- Do not place aspirin directly on the gum or tooth
- Contact your dentist for an appointment, especially if pain persists or is severe
Object Caught Between Teeth
If something is caught between your child’s teeth:
- Try to remove it gently with dental floss
- Never use sharp or pointed instruments to try to remove objects
- If flossing doesn’t work, contact your dentist
- Do not attempt to remove it with tools or other objects
Bitten Lip or Tongue
If your child bites their lip or tongue severely enough to cause bleeding:
- Clean the area gently with water
- Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- If bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes or the cut is large, seek immediate care
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, taking certain precautions can reduce the risk:
- Have children wear mouthguards during sports or recreational activities
- Childproof your home to prevent falls and injuries
- Discourage children from chewing on ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy
- Teach children not to use their teeth as tools to open packages or bottles
- Maintain regular dental check-ups to catch potential problems before they become emergencies
- Address orthodontic issues promptly, as protruding teeth are more prone to injury
These preventive measures, combined with good oral hygiene habits, can significantly reduce the likelihood of dental emergencies.
When to Go to the Emergency Room vs. the Dentist
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether a dental emergency requires a trip to the emergency room or a visit to the dentist. Generally:
Go to the emergency room if:
- Your child has a jaw fracture or dislocation
- There is severe bleeding that doesn’t stop
- There is severe facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
- Your child has signs of infection along with fever
Visit your dentist for:
- Knocked-out or fractured teeth
- Toothaches
- Objects caught between teeth
- Broken dental appliances
Many emergency rooms are not equipped to handle specific dental emergencies, and a pediatric dentist will have the specialized training and equipment needed for children’s dental injuries.
Be Prepared: Creating a Dental Emergency Kit
Having a dental emergency kit at home and when traveling can help you respond quickly in urgent situations. Consider including:
- Contact information for your pediatric dentist, including after-hours numbers
- Small container with a lid for storing knocked-out teeth or broken pieces
- Saline solution or small bottle of milk (shelf-stable if possible)
- Clean handkerchief or gauze pads for controlling bleeding
- Small ice pack or chemical cold pack for reducing swelling
- Over-the-counter pain reliever appropriate for children
- Dental floss for removing objects caught between teeth
Having these items readily available can make a significant difference in your ability to respond effectively to dental emergencies.
We’re Here When You Need Us
At Little Roots Pediatric Dental, Dr. Jessica Barzideh and Dr. Sunaina prioritize emergency care for our patients. We understand the anxiety that accompanies dental emergencies, and we’re committed to providing prompt, compassionate care when your child needs it most.
If your child experiences a dental emergency, call our office immediately at (516) 738-4434. For after-hours emergencies, our answering service will direct you to our on-call dentist. You can also fill out our contact form for non-urgent concerns or questions about emergency preparedness.
