Common dental emergencies in kids and what parents should do

Written by: Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh

Children are active and curious, which can sometimes lead to dental emergencies. Knowing what to do during these situations can help protect a child's teeth and reduce pain. Emergency dental care for children from a dentist in Calgary is important to preventing long-term problems. This guide explains common pediatric dental emergencies and how parents can respond to them.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a serious dental emergency in kids. This often happens during sports, falls, or accidents. For permanent teeth, immediate action is important. Emergency dental care for children is needed to save the tooth and prevent complications.

What to do

• Hold the tooth by the crown (top part) and avoid touching the root.
• Rinse it gently with water if it's dirty.
• Try to replace the tooth in its socket if possible.
• If not, keep the tooth in milk or a tooth preservation solution.
• Call an emergency dentist immediately.

For baby teeth, a knocked-out tooth usually should not be replaced because it can damage the developing adult tooth.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Chipped or broken teeth can be painful and make it hard for a child to eat. The damage can be as minor as a small chip or as serious as a large fracture.

What to do

• Rinse the mouth with warm water.
• Save any tooth fragments in milk or clean water.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Contact a pediatric dental office for urgent care.

An emergency dentist may smooth minor chips or restore the tooth with bonding or a crown, depending on the extent of the damage.

Toothache

Cavities, infection, or injury can cause tooth pain in children. A toothache is often a sign that a child needs professional dental care.

What to do

• Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to reduce discomfort.
• Use over-the-counter pain medicine if needed, following dosage instructions for children.
• Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums or teeth.
• Schedule an appointment with a dentist to identify the cause.

Early treatment prevents the problem from worsening and prevents severe infection.

Loose Teeth From Injury

Sometimes, a blow to the mouth can loosen a permanent tooth. This can happen even without the tooth being knocked out.

What to do

• Encourage the child not to wiggle the tooth.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Contact an emergency dentist quickly.

Prompt care can help stabilize the tooth and prevent permanent damage.

Broken Braces or Dental Appliances

Children with braces or other dental appliances may experience pediatric dental emergencies if brackets, wires, or retainers break. Broken wires can poke the gums or cheeks.

What to do:

• If a wire is poking, cover it with orthodontic wax or sugarless gum.
• Avoid cutting or bending wires at home.
• Call the dentist for urgent repair.
• Getting care quickly helps prevent more damage to the mouth and keeps orthodontic treatment on schedule.

Lost Filling or Crown

Children with fillings or crowns can sometimes lose them during chewing or sports. Exposed tooth surfaces can be sensitive and prone to infection.

What to do

• Rinse the mouth gently and keep the area clean.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side.
• Store the crown in a clean container with milk if possible.
• Contact a dentist as soon as possible for repair.

Delaying care can cause pain and further damage the tooth.

Bleeding Gums or Mouth

Cuts and injuries to the gums, lips or tongue can happen from falls or accidents. Most bleeding stops with simple care.

What to do:

• Clean the area gently with water.
• Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling.

Call a pediatric dental emergency service if bleeding does not stop within ten minutes or if the injury is severe.

Wrapping Up

Knowing about pediatric dental emergencies helps parents act fast and handle situations correctly. Quick care from an emergency dentist can protect teeth, ease pain, and prevent future dental issues. Regular checkups at a children’s dentist can also keep teeth and gums healthy, reducing the chances of emergencies before they happen.

FAQs

When should a child see an emergency dentist?

A child should see an emergency dentist for knocked-out permanent teeth, severe pain, loose teeth, or any injury causing bleeding that won't stop.

Can baby teeth be saved after a knock-out?

Baby teeth usually are not replanted because doing so can harm the developing adult teeth.

How can toothaches be prevented in kids?

Regular dental checkups, good brushing and flossing, and limiting sugary foods can help prevent toothaches.

What is the best way to protect kids’ teeth during sports?

Using a well-fitted mouthguard while playing sports can help prevent many types of dental injuries in children.

Is it safe to give children pain medicine for dental emergencies?

Yes, giving children over-the-counter pain medicine is safe when following the recommended dosage. Do not apply the medicine directly to the gums or teeth.

Dr. Ravanbakhsh is the proud owner of Inglewood Family Dental, a trusted Calgary dental practice dedicated to caring for smiles of all ages. Learn more at inglewoodfamilydental.ca.