Childhood Dental Emergencies – Manchester Dentistry

Dental injuries and emergencies are common in children and can be stressful for both kids and parents. Approximately one third of children experience dental trauma, and even more encounter dental emergencies. There are two peak risk periods: toddlerhood (18–40 months) and the preadolescent/adolescent period when sports-related injuries are frequent.

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Common Childhood Dental Emergencies and How to Help

Toothache

Toothaches in children often have a cause, such as impacted food, tooth decay, fractures, trauma, or wisdom teeth eruption. Persistent pain requires contacting a pediatric dentist.

  • Rinse the area with warm water.
  • Check for and remove impacted food using a clean finger, toothbrush, or dental floss.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Contact the pediatric dentist for guidance.

Dental Avulsion (Knocked-Out Tooth)

Permanent teeth should be reimplanted as soon as possible, ideally within one hour. Primary (baby) teeth are generally not reimplanted to avoid damaging developing permanent teeth.

  • Handle the tooth by the crown only; do not touch the root.
  • Rinse dirt off with water gently.
  • For older children, gently place the tooth back in its socket or the cheek pouch. For younger children, store in milk or saliva.
  • Keep the tooth moist during transport.
  • Visit the pediatric dentist or Emergency Room immediately.

Dental Intrusion (Tooth Pushed Into Jawbone)

Teeth pushed into the jaw require urgent evaluation. Less severe intrusions may heal naturally; more severe cases might need root canal therapy.

  • Rinse the mouth with cold water.
  • Apply ice packs externally to reduce swelling.
  • Offer Tylenol for pain relief.
  • Contact the pediatric dentist or go to the Emergency Room.

Tooth Luxation, Extrusion, or Lateral Displacement

Displaced teeth can be luxated (still in socket but misaligned), extruded (partially out of socket), or laterally displaced. Permanent teeth require prompt dental treatment to prevent infection.

  • Apply a cold, moist compress.
  • Provide pain relief as needed (Children’s Tylenol).
  • Contact the pediatric dentist immediately.

Crown Fracture

The crown, being the visible part of the tooth, often sustains trauma. Fractures can range from minor enamel cracks to pulp exposure, which is an emergency.

  • Rinse the mouth with warm water.
  • Apply a cold, moist compress to reduce swelling.
  • Provide pain relief.
  • Pack the tooth with a biocompatible material if needed.
  • Visit the pediatric dentist or Emergency Room depending on severity.

Root Fracture

Root fractures are not visible externally and require X-rays for diagnosis. Treatment may vary from monitoring to extraction.

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

Dental Concussion

Concussed teeth are not displaced or fractured but may discolor temporarily or permanently. Emergency treatment is usually not required unless the tooth turns dark, indicating possible death of the pulp.

Injured Cheek, Lip, or Tongue

  • Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding.
  • Apply ice to reduce swelling.
  • If bleeding is uncontrollable, go to the Emergency Room.

Fractured Jaw

If a jaw fracture is suspected, go immediately to the Emergency Room. Limit jaw movement. For young children, gently support the jaw with a scarf or similar wrap.

Head Injury / Head Trauma

All head injuries should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately, even if consciousness is not lost, to rule out delayed concussion or internal bleeding.

If you have any questions or concerns about childhood dental emergencies, please contact your pediatric dentist promptly.