Reviewed by Dr Kathryn Stanley
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Reading Time: Four Minutes
Kids are active by nature, and accidents can happen in an instant. Whether it’s a fall on the playground or a hard bump during a game, dental injuries are common in childhood. Knowing what to do before you reach the dentist can make a big difference in protecting your child’s smile.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
In a dental emergency, stay calm, stop any bleeding, keep knocked-out teeth or fragments in milk, and call your pediatric dentist right away for guidance.
| When to Go to the ERIf your child has a head or facial injury and experiences nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or visible swelling of the face, go to the nearest emergency room right away. |
Common Dental Emergencies in Children
Dental problems in kids tend to fall into a few main categories. Recognizing them helps you decide how quickly your child should be seen.
Toothache
Start by rinsing your child’s mouth with warm water and gently flossing to check for trapped food. If the pain lingers, an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. It’s best to call your dentist for advice, even if an immediate visit isn’t needed.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
Falls and sports accidents often lead to chipped teeth. Even small chips can expose the inner layers of the tooth, causing sensitivity. Rinse the mouth with warm water and save any fragments in milk before calling the dentist.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, find it and hold it by the crown (the top part, not the root). Rinse it gently with water—no scrubbing—and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it moist in milk and get to the dentist right away. Acting quickly gives the best chance of saving the tooth.
If a baby tooth gets knocked out, do not try to reinsert it. Instead, contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. They will check for injury to the surrounding gum tissue and make sure no fragments remain in the socket.
Cuts or Bleeding in the Mouth
Mouth injuries bleed easily. Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth and use a cold compress to control swelling. Go to your nearest emergency center if bleeding persists for more than 10 minutes.
Objects Stuck Between Teeth
Food or small items can cause discomfort and gum irritation. Try flossing gently, never use sharp objects like pins or toothpicks. If the object doesn’t come out, let the dentist handle it safely.
What to Do Before You Reach the Dentist
Acting quickly helps protect your child’s teeth and keeps them calm.
- Stay composed: Kids mirror your reaction. A calm tone reassures them that help is on the way.
- Stop bleeding: Apply clean gauze with light pressure.
- Reduce pain and swelling: Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek.
- Save tooth fragments or teeth: Always keep them in milk or saline.
- Avoid home remedies: Don’t use aspirin or alcohol on gums, they can damage tissue.
If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, call your pediatric dentist anyway. A quick phone consultation can determine if your child needs immediate treatment or if it’s safe to wait until the next day.
Pediatric Emergency Dental Care in Overland Park
For current established patients with after-hours emergencies, call our office number and follow the prompts. If you are not an established patient, we will do our best to get you in during regular business hours. We have spots reserved for emergency appointments in our schedule.
Call (913) 345-0331 or visit us at 8575 W 110th St Suite 310, Overland Park, KS.
FAQs
What is a common emergency in pediatric dentistry?
Common emergencies include knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, dental abscesses, and broken or chipped teeth from falls or sports injuries. These situations require immediate attention to prevent infection and protect the developing tooth structure.
When should I take my child to the ER for a dental injury?
Go to the ER if your child has heavy bleeding that won’t stop, facial trauma, broken jaw, or swelling that affects breathing. For dental-specific emergencies like tooth pain or chipped teeth, call your pediatric dentist first, they can treat the issue faster and more effectively.
Where can I find an emergency pediatric dentist near me?
If you are in the Overland Park area, contact Stanley Pediatric Dentistry at (913) 345-0331. Our team provides emergency care for children and can guide you on what to do before you arrive.
