Childhood Dental Emergencies

Dental injuries and emergencies are common in children. Approximately one-third of children experience some form of dental trauma. There are two peak risk periods:

  • Toddlerhood (18-40 months) – when children explore their environment.
  • Preadolescent/Adolescent – when sports-related injuries are common.
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Common Childhood Dental Emergencies

Toothache

Caused by impacted food, fractures, decay, trauma, or wisdom teeth eruption.

  • Clean the area with warm water; avoid medicating the tooth or gums directly.
  • Remove impacted food if necessary.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Contact the pediatric dentist if pain persists.

Dental Avulsion (Knocked-Out Tooth)

Permanently lost teeth require immediate attention. Primary teeth are usually not reimplanted, but permanent teeth can often be saved if reimplanted within an hour.

  • Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root.
  • Rinse dirt off with water, without scrubbing.
  • For older children, gently place the tooth back in its socket or in the cheek pouch; for younger children, submerge in milk or saliva.
  • Keep the tooth moist during transport.
  • Seek immediate dental or emergency care.

Dental Intrusion (Tooth Pushed Into Jawbone)

Contact the pediatric dentist immediately. Teeth pushed less than 3mm have a better prognosis.

  • Rinse the mouth with cold water.
  • Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
  • Offer pain relief (e.g., Children’s Tylenol).
  • Seek dental or emergency care.

Tooth Luxation/Extrusion/Lateral Displacement

Teeth may be pushed, partially removed, or displaced sideways after trauma. Primary teeth may self-heal; permanent teeth need evaluation.

  • Apply a cold, moist compress.
  • Provide pain relief as needed.
  • Contact the pediatric dentist immediately.

Crown Fracture

The most visible part of the tooth may crack or chip. Minor fractures may be treated with sealant, severe fractures may require pulp therapy.

  • Rinse mouth with warm water.
  • Apply a cold compress.
  • Offer pain relief.
  • Pack the tooth with biocompatible material if available.
  • Contact the pediatric dentist or Emergency Room depending on severity.

Root Fracture

Not visible to the naked eye; dental X-rays are necessary. Treatment varies from monitoring to extraction.

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

Dental Concussion

Tooth is hit but not displaced or fractured. Discoloration may occur; emergency care usually isn’t needed unless the tooth turns black.

Injured Cheek, Lip, or Tongue

  • Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
  • Use ice to reduce swelling.
  • If bleeding is uncontrollable, seek emergency care immediately.

Fractured Jaw

Seek immediate Emergency Room care. Prevent movement of the jaw; for young children, gently secure with a scarf or similar support.

Head Injury / Head Trauma

Any head trauma requires immediate medical evaluation, even if the child remains conscious, to rule out concussion or internal bleeding.

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