Kids Dental Emergencies | DW4K-ALIGN

Kids Dental Emergencies

If a child is hit or falls and the mouth or chin is injured, you should:
Immediately call for an emergency appointment if:

  • A tooth is knocked out.
  • A tooth is loosened or pushed out of position.
  • A tooth is broken.
  • You have a cut lip, chin, gums or tongue.
  • There is bleeding at the gum line around the tooth.

When a tooth is knocked out you should:

  • Immediately call for an emergency appointment, time is very important.
  • Attempt to find the tooth.
  • If a baby tooth is knocked out, DO NOT attempt to replace the tooth into the socket. This could cause further damage.
  • If an adult tooth is knocked out, gently wipe but do not scrap the tooth to remove dirt or debris. Attempt to replace the tooth into the socket.
  • If you are unable to replant the tooth, place the clean tooth in the mouth between the cheek and gum.
  • If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person (i.e. young child) wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse in milk.
  • Get to the office as soon as possible if it’s within 2 hours of the injury, it may be possible to save the tooth.

If a tooth is loosened or pushed out of place (inward or outward) you should:

  • Immediately call for an emergency appointment.
  • Reposition the tooth to its normal position with very light finger pressure.
  • Do not force the tooth into the socket.
  • Hold the tooth in place with a moist cloth or gauze.

You should get to the office as soon as possible…

If a tooth is broken you should:

  • Immediately call for an emergency appointment.
  • Clean the fractured tooth and find the broken piece(s).
  • Apply a cold compress on the cheek if swelling is present.
  • Get to the office as soon as possible.

If your child cut their lip, gum or tongue you should:

  • Immediately call for an emergency appointment.
  • Rinse with cold water to remove foreign objects.
  • Bleeding from a tongue laceration can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward and use a soft cloth or gauze to place pressure on the wound area.
  • Get to the office as soon as possible.

If a child is complaining about pain:

  • Immediately call for an emergency appointment.
    Often baby teeth that are loose can be painful especially when chewing.
  • If the gums are swollen behind the last baby tooth it is often due to an adult tooth erupting.
  • If the gums have a small pimple a tooth may be abscessed.
  • Take Children’s Tylenol or Advil and call the office for an emergency appointment.