Kids fall off bikes, take elbows to the mouth during soccer, and bite down on things they shouldn’t. When it happens to your child’s teeth, knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make a real difference.
Knocked-out or chipped tooth
If it’s a permanent tooth, pick it up by the crown (never the root), rinse it gently if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it moist in a cup of milk and get to a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it. Baby teeth are different: don’t try to reinsert them, but still call your dentist to check for damage to the roots or surrounding gum. For a chipped tooth, save any pieces you find, rinse your child’s mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If a permanent tooth can’t be saved, don’t worry, options like dental implants can restore it once your child is older.
A toothache that won’t quit
Rinse with warm water and gently floss around the tooth in case something’s stuck. Over-the-counter children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain, but skip aspirin for kids. If the ache lasts more than a day or comes with swelling or fever, it’s time to call the dentist.
When it’s the ER, not the dentist
Most dental emergencies are best handled by a dentist, not an emergency room, since ER staff aren’t trained in dental treatment and visits tend to be far more expensive. The exceptions are uncontrolled bleeding, a possible broken jaw, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness. Those call for the ER first, dentist second.
Be ready before it happens
Save your dentist’s after-hours number in your phone now, so you’re not searching for it during a crisis. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your child calm and getting them the right care fast.
If your family needs a dentist who handles emergencies with care, Coaldale Dental is a good place to start.