Accidents happen — especially when you have kids. From tumbles on the playground to sports mishaps and unexpected toothaches, dental emergencies can occur when you least expect them. Knowing how to respond quickly and calmly can make all the difference in protecting your child’s smile.

This guide walks you through common dental emergencies in children, what to do in the moment, and when to contact your pediatric dentist right away.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental issue is an emergency, but some situations need prompt attention to prevent further complications. A dental emergency typically involves:

• Pain that won’t go away
• Bleeding from the mouth
• A broken or knocked-out tooth
• Swelling or signs of infection
• Trauma to the lips, tongue, gums, or jaw

If your child is in pain or something doesn’t seem right, it’s always best to call your dentist for guidance — even if you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency.

Common Dental Emergencies in Children

Understanding the most frequent types of dental emergencies can help you react confidently if something happens.

Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not try to reinsert it. Baby teeth are not meant to be put back into place, and doing so can damage the developing permanent tooth beneath. Instead, gently rinse your child’s mouth with water, apply a cold compress if there’s swelling, and call your pediatric dentist to determine next steps.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, time is critical. Gently pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it with water if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket if your child is old enough to handle it. If not, store the tooth in a container of milk or saline solution and head to the dentist immediately. Ideally, a permanent tooth should be re-implanted within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving it.

Chipped or Fractured Tooth

Minor chips may not cause pain but still need evaluation to avoid long-term issues. For larger fractures or if the tooth is sensitive or bleeding, rinse the mouth, use a cold compress, and keep any broken fragments. Avoid hard foods, and call your dentist to schedule care as soon as possible.

Toothache

A sudden or severe toothache can signal an infection, abscess, or deep cavity. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and check for any visible swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers appropriate for your child’s age can help until you can reach the dentist. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums — it can burn the tissue.

Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek

These injuries often occur during sports, eating, or after dental work when the mouth is numb. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to stop bleeding and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes or the cut appears deep, seek medical care.

Swelling or Signs of Infection

Facial swelling, fever, or a visible pimple-like bump on the gums may indicate a serious dental infection or abscess. These situations require immediate dental attention. Left untreated, infections can spread and cause serious health issues.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

While most dental emergencies can be handled by a pediatric dentist, certain symptoms warrant a trip to the ER or urgent care:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction
• Trauma involving the head, neck, or jaw
• Swelling that’s spreading rapidly

If you’re ever in doubt and your dentist isn’t available, it’s better to seek medical care quickly and rule out serious complications.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While you can’t prevent every accident, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of dental injuries:

• Encourage kids to wear mouthguards during sports or high-impact activities
• Avoid letting children run with objects in their mouths (toys, pencils, toothbrushes)
• Teach good habits around not using teeth to open packages or bite on hard items
• Keep up with regular dental checkups to catch issues before they turn into emergencies
• Make sure your child knows what to do in case of a dental accident — and that they tell you right away

Prevention starts with awareness and safe habits, both at home and on the go.

Keep a Dental Emergency Kit on Hand

A small, dedicated kit can make it easier to handle a dental emergency quickly. Consider including:

• Gauze and cotton pads
• A small container with a lid (for storing a tooth)
• A cold compress or instant ice pack
• Saline solution or milk
• Children’s pain reliever
• Your pediatric dentist’s phone number and emergency contact info

Having the right tools nearby can bring peace of mind and help you stay calm in a stressful moment.

A Trusted Dental Team Makes All the Difference

One of the best things you can do for your child is to have an established relationship with a pediatric dental provider who offers emergency care. Familiarity with the office and team makes urgent situations less intimidating and more manageable for both you and your child.

Need Emergency Dental Care in Canton, GA?

Dental emergencies can be scary — but you’re not alone. Canton’s Kids Dentistry provides same-day appointments and compassionate care when your child needs it most. Whether it’s a chipped tooth or a knocked-out one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Call now if your child is experiencing a dental emergency — or ask us how to be better prepared for one in the future.