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Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them—and when they involve your child, they can feel especially overwhelming. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, sudden tooth pain, or a mouth injury during play, knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
At Smile Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help you prepare for the unexpected with expert tips on handling dental emergencies calmly, safely, and effectively.
Common Dental Emergencies in Children
Dental emergencies can take many forms, but here are some of the most common situations parents may encounter:
- Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
- Chipped or broken tooth
- Toothache or sudden pain
- Loose permanent tooth
- Injury to the lips, tongue, or cheeks
- Object stuck between teeth
- Broken or lost filling or crown
While not every issue is urgent, many dental injuries require prompt attention to reduce pain, prevent infection, and preserve the tooth.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Being prepared can help you stay calm and take the right steps during a dental emergency. Here’s how to handle some of the most common situations:
Knocked-Out Tooth (Permanent)
- Gently rinse the tooth with water—avoid touching the root.
- Try to place it back in the socket, or store it in milk or saliva.
- Seek dental care immediately. Time is critical to save the tooth.
Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
- Do not try to reinsert it. This could damage the developing permanent tooth beneath.
- Contact your dentist to evaluate the area and ensure no damage to nearby teeth.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
- Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.
- If possible, save any pieces of the tooth.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and call your dentist.
Toothache
- Rinse the mouth with warm water.
- Use floss to remove any food stuck between teeth.
- Do not apply aspirin to the gums—use a cold compress for pain relief and call your dentist.
Soft Tissue Injury
- Clean the area with water.
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and consult your dentist if bleeding continues.
Object Stuck Between Teeth
- Gently use dental floss to remove the object.
- Never use sharp tools or objects. If it can’t be removed easily, contact your dentist.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
While not all dental issues require immediate treatment, you should contact your pediatric dentist right away if your child experiences:
- Persistent bleeding
- Severe pain
- A knocked-out permanent tooth
- Signs of infection (swelling, fever, pus)
- A dental injury combined with a head injury or trauma
Prompt care can help relieve discomfort, prevent complications, and improve long-term outcomes.
Our Commitment to Urgent Pediatric Care
At Smile Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies can be scary—for both kids and parents. That’s why we offer compassionate, prompt care for dental emergencies in a calm and child-friendly setting.
Our team is experienced in treating children with urgent needs and will guide you every step of the way, from managing pain to preserving your child’s smile. We’re here to provide reassurance and expert care when you need it most.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today
Accidents happen—but you don’t have to handle them alone. At Smile Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to help with quick, expert care when your child needs it.
If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, call us right away. You can also schedule a check-up to ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and strong for years to come.
Call us today at 719-282-6666
Find us in Colorado Springs, Monument, and Aurora—we love serving our community’s smiles!
Let’s build lifelong healthy habits together—one happy smile at a time!