Dental emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere, often when you least expect them. When it comes to your child, handling such emergencies is different from other injuries — knowing what to do in those crucial moments can save your child from losing a permanent tooth. In these situations, it’s essential to get your child to a nearby dentist as quickly as possible. This guide highlights the most common dental emergencies in children and how to manage them effectively until you reach professional care.
If Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth
First, make sure your child hasn’t sustained any other serious injuries that require immediate medical attention. If the tooth is a permanent (adult) tooth, keep it moist — ideally by placing it in a container of milk, a tooth preservation solution, or even inside the cheek if your child is old enough to do so safely. For very young children, storing a tooth in the cheek is not safe — instead, use milk or a preservation kit. Then, head to the dental clinic immediately. A baby tooth doesn’t need to be kept moist, but it should still be taken to your dentist for evaluation.
⏱ Don’t Delay: Time is critical — the sooner you get to the dentist, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.
If Your Child Cracks a Tooth
If your child cracks a tooth, have them rinse their mouth gently with clean water to remove any debris. To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of the face near the injured area. Avoid chewing on the injured side until treated.
The same first-aid steps — rinsing with water and applying a cold compress — can also be used if your child bites their tongue or lip.
Bleeding Gums or Soft Tissue Injuries
If your child’s gums or soft tissues (like the inside of the cheeks) are bleeding, gently rinse the mouth with clean water. Apply gentle pressure to the bleeding area using a clean gauze or cloth for several minutes. You can also use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth to reduce pain and swelling. If bleeding doesn’t stop within 10 minutes, seek emergency dental or medical care.
If Your Child Has a Toothache
A toothache in children can be caused by food particles trapped between teeth or by dental decay, such as cavities, which are common among kids. To help relieve discomfort, have your child rinse their mouth with warm salt water. You can also apply a cold compress on the outside of the cheek to reduce pain or swelling. If food is lodged between the teeth, gently remove it using dental floss or a water flosser — never use sharp or pointed objects. If the pain or discomfort persists after these steps, it could indicate an infection or other serious dental issue, so schedule an appointment with a children’s dentist as soon as possible.
If Your Child’s Jaw Is Injured
The treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. If the jaw appears to be only mildly affected, over-the-counter pain medication and a cold compress can help manage discomfort and swelling. However, if the jaw seems severely injured — for example, if your child has difficulty opening or closing their mouth, the bite feels uneven, or there is visible misalignment — it may require urgent medical attention and possibly surgery. In such cases, contact your child’s dentist or go to a hospital emergency department immediately. Even if pain improves quickly, jaw injuries should still be checked by a professional, as fractures may not be obvious.
Precautions to Help Prevent Dental Emergencies
Many dental emergencies can be avoided by taking simple precautions:
• Encourage your child to wear proper mouth protection, such as a mouth guard or helmet, during sports and other high-impact activities.
• Supervise young children and discourage them from running while holding objects like toothbrushes, pencils, or other items in their mouth.
• Teach your child to be cautious on stairways and around potentially hazardous areas.
• Schedule regular dental checkups — ideally every six months — to ensure your child’s teeth remain healthy and strong.
• Keep your dentist’s emergency contact number saved in your phone so you can act quickly when needed.
If you ever face a dental emergency in Dearborn, Michigan, you can count on the immediate care and expertise of the team at Lakewood Dental Smile — a leading dental specialist in the area. Our experienced dentists are here to provide fast, compassionate, and effective treatment to protect your child’s smile and oral health.