Kids' dental emergencies
Accidents happen. Here's what to do.
Toothaches, chipped teeth and knocked-out teeth: what to do right now, and how we help.
For parents
Take a breath. Kids fall off bikes, collide on the field and bite down on the wrong thing — and the first few minutes are when you can help most. Call us as soon as it happens: we'll tell you exactly what to do right away and see your child as soon as we can. The steps below cover the situations we see most.
For kids
“It's okay to be scared. Your grown-up and our team will take care of you.”
What happens
Knocked-out adult tooth
Pick it up by the top (crown), not the root. Rinse gently, try to put it back in, or keep it in milk. Call right away: time matters.
Knocked-out baby tooth
Don't put it back in, as that can harm the adult tooth underneath. Apply gentle pressure with gauze and call us.
Chipped or broken tooth
Save any pieces in milk, rinse with water, use a cold compress for swelling, and call us.
Toothache
Rinse with warm water, gently floss in case something is stuck, and call us. Don't put aspirin on the gums.
Your child’s dentist
Dr. Fahra Dawood
Residency-trained pediatric dentist with fellowship training in neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Meet Dr. DawoodParents ask
When should we go to the ER instead?
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for: a head injury, a possible broken jaw, swelling that spreads toward the eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, bleeding that won't stop, or a high fever with facial swelling.
What if it happens after hours?
Call our office line for instructions, or send a visit request so the team can follow up first thing. And for anything severe, please go to the ER.