Childhood Dental Emergencies

Dental injuries and emergencies are common in children, affecting roughly one third of all children at some point. Peak risk periods include toddlerhood (18–40 months) and preadolescence/adolescence, particularly during active play or sports.

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Common Childhood Dental Emergencies

Toothache

Toothaches rarely occur without cause. Impacted food can cause discomfort and should be gently removed using a toothbrush, clean finger, or dental floss. Common causes include tooth fractures, decay, trauma, and wisdom tooth eruption.

How to help:

  • Rinse the area with warm water (do not medicate or heat the tooth/gums).
  • Remove impacted food.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Contact your pediatric dentist for guidance.

Dental Avulsion (Knocked-Out Tooth)

Permanent teeth should be reimplanted if possible; primary teeth are generally not reimplanted to avoid damage to permanent tooth buds. Success is highest within one hour.

How to help:

  • Handle the crown, not the root.
  • Rinse dirt off with water (do not scrub).
  • For older children, place the tooth back in the socket or store in saliva/milk for younger children.
  • Keep the tooth moist during transport.
  • Visit a pediatric dentist or the ER immediately.

Dental Intrusion (Tooth Pushed Into Jawbone)

Intrusion can damage tooth ligaments and socket. Treatment may involve observation or root canal therapy depending on severity.

How to help:

  • Rinse the mouth with cold water.
  • Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
  • Offer pain relief (e.g., Children’s Tylenol).
  • Contact the pediatric dentist or go to the ER.

Tooth Luxation/Extrusion/Lateral Displacement

Displacement may involve luxation (tooth remains in socket), extrusion (partially out of socket), or lateral displacement (shifted to the side). Permanent teeth require prompt dental attention.

How to help:

  • Use a cold, moist compress.
  • Offer pain relief.
  • Contact the pediatric dentist immediately.

Crown Fracture

Fractures can range from minor enamel cracks to pulp exposure. Pediatric dentists assess severity using X-rays. Discolored teeth may indicate pulp involvement.

How to help:

  • Rinse with warm water.
  • Apply a cold, moist compress.
  • Provide pain relief.
  • Pack the tooth with biocompatible material if necessary.
  • Visit the pediatric dentist or ER based on severity.

Root Fracture

Not visible to the naked eye and requires X-rays. Treatment may include monitoring, repair, or extraction.

How to help:

  • Use a cold, moist compress.
  • Offer pain relief.
  • Contact the pediatric dentist.

Dental Concussion

Occurs when a tooth is hit but not displaced or fractured. Tooth may discolor temporarily or permanently. Emergency treatment is usually not required unless the tooth turns dark.

Injured Cheek, Lip, or Tongue

Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding. Apply ice to reduce swelling. Seek emergency care if bleeding is uncontrolled.

Fractured Jaw

Proceed to the ER immediately. Encourage the child to avoid jaw movement. For young children, gently tie a scarf around the head and jaw to stabilize.

Head Injury / Head Trauma

Seek emergency medical care immediately, even if consciousness is not lost, to rule out concussion or internal bleeding.

If you have questions about dental emergencies, contact your pediatric dentist promptly.