Kids are active, curious, and sometimes a little less than graceful, which naturally leads to many dental emergencies. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth or a sudden toothache, knowing how to help your child until they see their dentist can make all the difference. Read on to see some of the most common dental emergencies that kids run into and some first-aid tips.
1. Knocked-Out Tooth
Children sometimes knock out baby teeth during sports, falls, or playground mishaps. But unlike adult teeth, baby teeth are usually not replanted. That being said, it’s still important to keep the tooth and call your child’s dentist right away.
Until they reach the office, an ice pack and over-the-counter pain relievers are the way to go—just make sure you check the label for dosage.
Depending on the state of the developing adult tooth underneath your child’s gums, different treatments will be necessary. In many cases, a spacer is used to keep their teeth from shifting until the adult tooth is ready to come out.
2. Chips and Cracks
A bite of hard candy or an unexpected fall can easily lead to a chipped or fractured tooth. It may seem like a minor issue, but if the inner tooth is exposed, it can be painful or lead to infection.
As before, ice and pain medication are good if there’s swelling or discomfort. At the dentist, small chips may be smoothed out, while larger breaks could require bonding or a tooth-colored filling. In more serious cases, a crown may be needed to protect the tooth.
3. Object Stuck Between Teeth
Kids can sometimes get food or small objects lodged between their teeth, especially if they have a habit of biting down on objects like pens or erasers. If flossing doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to call the dentist. Just be sure to avoid using objects like toothpicks or needles to remove the debris. Their dentist will be able to remove the obstruction quickly and gently.
4. Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Soft tissue mouth injuries happen fast, especially during sports or physical recreation. But while a bitten tongue or lip can look scary because of blood, most of these injuries are minor.
First, have your child rinse with lukewarm water. Then, apply a clean cloth with gentle pressure to stop the bleeding. If it continues after 10–15 minutes or the wound is large, head to the nearest emergency room for help.
5. Toothache
Toothaches in kids often result from cavities, loose baby teeth, or infections. If your child complains about pain or swelling, it’s time to schedule an emergency dental visit. Their dentist will find the cause and recommend the right treatment. This could include a filling, cleaning, or antibiotics if there’s an infection.
Dental emergencies can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to do helps everyone stay calm. Keep your pediatric dentist’s number handy and contact them as soon as the situation escalates. The faster you act, the sooner your child will find relief!
About the Author
Dr. Steven Pike is a fun and friendly children’s dentist with over 15 years of experience. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry before working for his father in 2007. Since then, he has completed numerous hours of continuing education to better serve his young patients. Call (503) 297-1711 to schedule an emergency appointment at Dr. Pike, Dentistry for Children, or visit our website to explore our services.