Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Accidents happen. Know what to do — and know that we're here for your family when they do.
Dental Emergency? Call Us Now.
We reserve time each day for urgent dental needs.
Act Fast
Many dental emergencies have better outcomes when treated quickly. When in doubt, call us.
Same-Day Care
We reserve time each day for urgent patients. Call first thing in the morning for same-day appointments.
After Hours
If you can't reach us, leave a message and we'll call back as soon as possible. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
When to go straight to the Emergency Room
If your child has difficulty breathing or swallowing, has uncontrolled bleeding, has lost consciousness, or has suffered significant facial or jaw trauma — call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately. Then contact us for dental follow-up.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Step-by-step guidance for the most common pediatric dental emergencies.
🦷
Knocked-Out Tooth
Urgent
1
Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part) — never touch the root
2
If dirty, rinse gently with water — do not scrub or use soap
3
Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and have your child hold it in place, or store it in a cup of milk or between your child's cheek and gum
4
Call us immediately and get to our office within 30 minutes — time is critical
Baby teeth are generally not reimplanted, but we still want to evaluate the area. For adult teeth, speed is everything.
😬
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Urgent
1
Rinse your child's mouth with warm water
2
Save any tooth fragments in a cup of milk
3
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
4
Call our office right away — we'll advise whether to come in immediately or can wait until the next available appointment
Even a small chip can expose sensitive dentin or pulp. Don't wait to call.
😣
Toothache
1
Rinse with warm salt water
2
Gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food
3
Give children's ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain (follow dosing instructions)
4
Do not place aspirin or numbing gel directly on the gum — this can burn tissue
5
Call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible
Persistent toothaches may indicate infection. If your child has a fever or swelling, call immediately.
🩹
Soft Tissue Injury (Lip, Tongue, Cheek)
1
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding
2
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
3
If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes of steady pressure, go to the nearest emergency room
4
Call us so we can assess for any dental involvement
Mouth injuries bleed a lot and can look scarier than they are — but always err on the side of caution.
🪥
Object Caught Between Teeth
1
Try to gently remove the object using dental floss — never use sharp instruments
2
Do not force the floss; work it gently side to side
3
If you cannot remove it, call our office — do not try to dig it out at home
Never use a pin or sharp object to dislodge anything caught between your child's teeth.
😮
Lost Filling or Crown
1
Save the crown or filling if possible
2
You can use over-the-counter dental cement (available at pharmacies) as a temporary fix
3
Avoid sticky or hard foods on that side until seen
4
Call our office to schedule a prompt repair appointment
A lost crown on a baby tooth may not always need immediate replacement — call us and we'll advise.
🔴
Dental Abscess or Swelling
Urgent
1
Call our office immediately — a dental abscess is a serious infection
2
Do not attempt to pop or drain the abscess
3
Give children's pain reliever as directed for comfort
4
If your child has difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to the emergency room immediately
Dental infections can spread quickly. This is a true dental emergency — do not wait.
🚨
Broken Jaw or Severe Facial Trauma
Urgent
1
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately
2
Immobilize the jaw gently with a bandage if possible
3
Apply cold compress to reduce swelling
4
Call our office as a follow-up once your child is stable
Severe facial trauma requires emergency medical care first. We will coordinate follow-up dental treatment.
The Best Emergency Is the One That Never Happens
Simple habits that significantly reduce the risk of dental emergencies for your child.
Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during all contact sports
Never use teeth as tools to open bottles, bags, or packaging
Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels
Keep up with regular checkups — many emergencies stem from untreated decay
Childproof your home to reduce falls in young toddlers
Ask Dr. Dokova about dental sealants to protect molars from cracks
We're Here When You Need Us Most
Don't wait and wonder. If something doesn't feel right, call us — we'd rather hear from you and help you decide than have you worry alone.