As pediatric dentists, we know that seeing your child in pain or distress due to a dental issue can be frightening. Kids, especially active ones, often have accidents, and when you know how to respond, you make a significant difference in the outcome. Some situations demand immediate professional care, but your quick thinking and calm action at home serve as the first steps toward solving the problem. We want to equip you with the knowledge you need to handle these stressful moments effectively.
Over the years, we have managed countless urgent cases. Our experience shows us which problems most often send parents scrambling for help. When you know the difference between a true dental emergency and a minor issue, you can avoid late-night panic. In this guide, we outline the five most common pediatric dental emergencies we see and give you precise, step-by-step instructions on what to do before you arrive at our office.
A Severe Toothache
A toothache is one of the most common complaints parents share with us. Kids may feel anything from a mild annoyance to severe, throbbing pain that keeps them awake at night. Usually, a deep cavity irritates the tooth nerve and causes pain, but sometimes a cracked tooth, an emerging tooth, or food wedged between teeth can trigger it. If your child experiences severe or persistent pain, swelling, or a fever, treat it as an emergency. These symptoms may indicate that your child has a dental abscess—a severe infection at the tooth root or in the space between teeth and gums.
If your child complains of a bad toothache, help them gently clean the area. Have them rinse their mouth with warm salt water (about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water), then gently floss around the sore tooth to remove any trapped food particles.
- Apply a cold compress to your child’s cheek to help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Never place aspirin or any other painkiller directly against the gums, as this can burn the tissue.
- Provide your child with over-the-counter pain medication appropriate for their age and weight, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for temporary relief.
- Call us immediately to schedule an appointment, especially if you notice swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gums, as these are likely signs of an infection that requires urgent treatment.
A Chipped or Broken Tooth
Kids often chip or break teeth on the playground or while playing sports. A small chip in the enamel usually won’t hurt, but it can leave a sharp edge that irritates your child’s tongue or cheek. A significant break usually causes pain and often opens the door for infection or nerve damage. No matter the size, bring your child to our office so we can assess the damage and recommend the best repair plan.
Ask your child to rinse their mouth with warm water right away to clean the area if they chip or break a tooth.
- If you find it, place the broken tooth piece in a small container with milk or your child's saliva, and bring it to the appointment.
- Apply a cold compress to the face near the injured tooth to reduce swelling.
- If the break leaves a sharp or jagged edge, cover it with a small piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax to protect your child's mouth until a dentist sees them.
- The dentist will examine the tooth to check for nerve exposure.
- A treatment plan will be created to restore the tooth's shape and function, preventing future complications.
A Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Watching your child lose a permanent tooth often feels like one of the most alarming dental emergencies you can face as a parent. Contact sports or falls often knock out teeth. If you act quickly, we can significantly increase the chance of saving the tooth. Time matters most; aim to reimplant the tooth within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury. Every second counts, so you need to know precisely how to respond. If you panic, you might lose valuable time and lower your chance of a successful outcome.
Follow these steps carefully if your child loses a permanent tooth:
- Find the tooth. Pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. Touching the root can damage the delicate cells necessary for reattachment.
- Clean the tooth gently. If it's dirty, rinse it under cold running water for a few seconds. Do not scrub it or use any soap.
- Attempt to reinsert it. If possible, gently push the tooth back into its socket. Have your child hold it in place by biting down on a clean cloth or gauze.
- Keep the tooth moist. If you cannot reinsert it, place the tooth in a small container of milk or a special tooth preservation solution. Saliva is another option, but milk is preferred. Do not store it in tap water.
- Call us immediately. This is a true dental emergency, and you need to come to our office or go to an emergency room right away. The faster the tooth is reimplanted correctly and splinted, the higher the chance it will survive.
An Object Stuck Between Teeth
An object stuck between your child's teeth might not seem like an emergency at first, but it can cause pain, harm the gums, and trigger infection if you don't remove it. Kids frequently get popcorn hulls, fruit seeds, or even tiny toy pieces stuck in their teeth. If the object wedges tightly, it creates pressure and discomfort. You might reach for a sharp tool, like a pin or toothpick, to pry it out, but using these can easily puncture your child's gums, cheek, or tongue and lead to a more serious injury.
Use dental floss to address this situation safely.
- Guide the floss gently between the teeth and use an upward motion to try to dislodge the object.
- If you see the object but can’t remove it with floss, tie a small knot in the floss and pull it through the space to snag the item.
- If you still can’t remove it or the process causes pain and bleeding, stop right away. Do not keep forcing it.
- At this point, call our office. We use the proper instruments and lighting to see and remove the stuck object safely without harming your child’s teeth or gums.
A Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek
Kids commonly bite the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the lips, tongue, or cheeks, especially when they are still learning to coordinate their movements. These injuries can look dramatic because they bleed a lot, which can frighten both the child and the parent. Since the mouth has a rich blood supply, even a small cut can produce a large amount of blood. In most cases, you can handle these minor injuries effectively at home without scheduling an emergency dental visit.
First, stay calm and reassure your child.
- Gently clean the area with water. Use a clean cloth or piece of gauze to apply firm, direct pressure to the bleeding site for a few minutes.
- For additional relief, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling and soothe the pain.
- If heavy bleeding continues after 10-15 minutes of steady pressure, or if you notice a deep, gaping cut, bring your child to an urgent care clinic or hospital emergency room.
- For minor bites that can be managed at home, schedule an appointment with us only if you have concerns about the healing process later on.
Double Row Teeth (Shark Teeth)
Double row teeth, commonly referred to as "shark teeth," occur when a child's permanent teeth begin to erupt before the baby teeth have fallen out, resulting in two rows of teeth. This condition is most often seen in children aged 5 to 7 and can cause discomfort, difficulty chewing, or crowding of the permanent teeth. Parents may consider this an emergency if the baby teeth show no signs of loosening or if the child experiences pain or swelling.
The treatment typically involves a visit to the dentist, who may recommend extracting the stubborn baby teeth to allow the permanent teeth to move into their correct positions. Early intervention helps prevent alignment issues and ensures a smoother transition to a healthy adult smile.
What To Do in a Dental Emergency
When you respond promptly and correctly during a pediatric dental emergency, you give your child the best chance for a healthy smile. The most critical step in any urgent situation: stay calm and call our office for guidance. We assess the problem over the phone and advise you on the next steps—whether you follow care instructions at home or we arrange an immediate visit. Keep our contact information easily accessible so you can save valuable time during stressful moments. Your quick actions, together with our professional care, help your child recover well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
How can I tell if my child's dental problem is a real emergency?
A true dental emergency occurs when your child experiences severe pain, heavy bleeding that won’t stop, a knocked-out permanent tooth, or signs of infection like facial swelling or a fever. If your child has a small chip or a lost filling, treat it as urgent and make sure a dentist sees it soon, but you may not need an immediate, after-hours visit. Whenever you feel unsure, call our office. We help you assess the severity of the situation and provide the right advice.
Should I take my child to the hospital emergency room for a dental injury?
Take your child to the hospital emergency room if they sustain a significant facial injury. Examples include a broken jaw, a deep cut that won’t stop bleeding, or if they lose consciousness, feel dizzy, or experience nausea after a head injury. For dental injuries that only involve the teeth—like a knocked-out tooth or a severe toothache without other trauma—bring your child to a pediatric dentist. Hospital staff usually do not include dentists and typically address pain before referring you to a dental office.
At Dream Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Gaithersburg, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and expert dental care for infants, children, and teens throughout our community. If your child is experiencing a dental emergency or you have questions about their oral health, please reach out to us so we can help.