What to do When Your Child has a Dental Emergency

February is National Children's Dental Health Month. You encourage your child to brush, floss and drink their milk to keep their teeth strong. But what do you do in the event of a dental emergency like a toothache or if your child's tooth gets knocked out? Emergencies happen when you least expect them so one of the most important things you can do to protect your child's dental health is to learn how to prepare for one.  

The experts at 1800Dentist.com share the following tips to help you prepare for a child's dental emergency:

Tip #1 -- Keep your dentist's phone number handy.

If you already have emergency phone numbers posted on your refrigerator, that's a great place to add your child's dentist's phone number. You can also visit 1800Dentist.com or call their emergency line to get help searching for an emergency dentist in your area.

Tip #2 -- In the event of a knocked-out tooth, be prepared to act fast. Chances of successful re-implantation of a knocked-out tooth are higher if you take your child to the dentist within 30 minutes.

Here's what to do before you get to the dentist:
* First of all, find the tooth! Since your child may have their tooth knocked out at school, be sure to share this important tip with teachers and the school nurse.  
* Rinse the tooth in water, holding it by its crown. Be sure not to scrub the tooth as this might dislodge tissue fragments that may help with re-implantation.
* If possible, have your child hold the tooth in its socket on your way to the dentist. If not, put the tooth in a cup of milk and bring it to the dentist.

Tip #3 -- Keep a close eye on toothaches.

A toothache is a sign -- usually that your child has a dental infection such as tooth decay, an abscess or even gum disease. If your child has been nursing a toothache for a few days, call your dentist immediately. To help ease some of the pain, have your child rinse his or her mouth to clean it out. Then have them floss or use an interdental cleaner (a soft, cylindrical brush) to get rid of food or other debris that might be caught between their teeth. Children's aspirin can also help dull the pain; but don't rely on painkillers alone -- contact your dentist.

Tip #4 -- Use a cold compress to control swelling.

Some dental emergencies can cause your child's face to swell: a broken tooth, a fractured jaw and even a severe tongue or lip bite. An easy way to control the swelling is to apply a cold compress on the outside of your child's cheek, mouth or jaw.

Tip #5 -- Always use a gentle hand.

Whether your child has something stuck between his or her teeth or a tongue or lip wound, be sure to gently remove objects from the mouth or gently clean a wound.

Remember, a dental emergency requires immediate professional attention from your dentist. Even though you may not think that something qualifies as a dental emergency, it's always best to be safe and contact your dentist. The sooner you get to the dentist, the faster your child can avoid prolonged pain or a worsening condition.


If your dentist doesn’t offer dental emergency services, 1800Dentist.com may be able to help you find one who does. 1800Dentist.com is America’s leader in carefully matching patients with pre-screened dentists and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Copyright ©, ARAnet, Inc.