Dental emergencies can happen at any time — especially with active kids. Knowing how to respond quickly can make a big difference in saving your child's tooth and reducing discomfort.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Common dental emergencies in children include:

What to Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out

For Permanent Teeth:

Time is critical when a permanent tooth is knocked out. Follow these steps:

For Baby Teeth:

Do not attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth, as this can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Contact your dentist right away to have the area evaluated.

What to Do for a Chipped or Broken Tooth

When Is Tooth Pain an Emergency?

Not all toothaches require immediate emergency care, but call your dentist promptly if your child has:

Swelling and fever alongside tooth pain may indicate an infection, which requires prompt attention.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

Use Mouthguards for Sports

Children who play contact sports or recreational activities with fall risk should wear a properly fitted mouthguard. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist provide the best protection, though store-bought options are better than nothing.

Avoid Hard Foods and Objects

Ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and using teeth to open packaging can all cause chips and fractures. Encourage your child to avoid these habits to protect their enamel.

Keep Your Dentist's Number Handy

In any dental emergency, the most important step is to stay calm and contact your dentist immediately. Quick action — especially in the case of a knocked-out permanent tooth — can mean the difference between saving and losing the tooth.

If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, don't wait. Call our pediatric dental office immediately for fast, gentle care.