Common Dental Emergencies in Kids

As a parent, your child’s health and well-being are always your top priorities. But what happens when they experience a sudden dental emergency? From a knocked-out tooth during a soccer game to a severe toothache that won’t go away, knowing how to handle these situations can make all the difference.

Here, we break down the most common emergency dentistry kids face, how to respond quickly, and when to call an emergency dentist.

Dental Emergencies in Kids – What Parents Need to Know

Children are naturally active, which means dental injuries and emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Here are the most frequent situations parents encounter and what to do in each case:

Knocked-Out Tooth

If your child’s baby tooth gets knocked out, don’t try to reinsert it—it could damage the incoming permanent tooth. Instead, have your child rinse their mouth with warm water, apply gentle pressure to stop any bleeding, and call your dentist to determine if further action is needed.

If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, time is critical! Locate the tooth and gently rinse it with water (avoid touching the root). If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and have your child bite down on a clean cloth. If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or a tooth preservation solution and get to an emergency dentist immediately.

Severe Toothache

A toothache in kids could be caused by a cavity, infection, or even food lodged between teeth. Start by having your child rinse with warm water and floss gently to remove any debris. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as it can cause irritation. If the pain persists or worsens, call your dentist to rule out an infection.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Accidents happen—whether from a fall on the playground or biting into something hard. If your child chips or breaks a tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces and bring them to your dentist. Even if there’s no immediate pain, a small fracture could lead to bigger problems if left untreated.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

Kids exploring the world (or just being their playful selves) can accidentally bite their tongue, lip, or cheek. If bleeding occurs, apply a clean cloth and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of gentle pressure, it’s time to seek emergency dental care.

When to Call an Emergency Dentist (And Not Just Wait It Out)

Not every dental mishap requires immediate care, but some signs indicate it’s time to contact an emergency dentist right away:

✅ Persistent or severe tooth pain
✅ Knocked-out or loose permanent tooth
✅ Swelling in the gums or face, which could indicate an infection
✅ Uncontrolled bleeding after a dental injury
✅ Visible signs of infection, such as pus or a bad taste in the mouth

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait—getting prompt dental care can prevent complications and save your child from further pain.

Preventing Dental Emergencies: Simple Steps to Keep Your Child’s Smile Safe

While accidents can’t always be avoided, these tips can help lower the chances of a dental emergency:

Encourage Safe Play – If your child plays contact sports, make sure they wear a properly fitted mouthguard.
Teach Good Oral Hygiene – Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly helps prevent cavities and infections that could lead to pain and emergencies.
Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods – Hard candies, ice cubes, and sticky snacks can break teeth or pull out fillings.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups – Routine visits help catch small issues before they become big problems.

Dental Emergency? Call New Era for Fast, Compassionate Care

Dental emergencies can be scary but knowing what to do can help you act quickly and confidently. If your child experiences a dental emergency in Ann Arbor, Monroe, or Fort Gratiot, MI, New Era Dental is here to help. Our experienced team provides fast, gentle care to relieve pain and protect their smile.

Don’t wait—call New Era Dental today for expert emergency dental care when you need it most!

Common Dental Emergencies in Kids (And How to Handle Them!)