What to Do If Your Child Has a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye — a fall at the playground, a bump during sports, or a sudden toothache at bedtime. As a parent, it’s natural to feel anxious in the moment. But knowing what to do (and what not to do) can make all the difference.
At Tooth + Tongue Dental, we offer same-day emergency dental care for kids, so you’re never left guessing when something feels wrong. Here’s your guide to recognizing common dental emergencies — and how to respond with calm and confidence.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies (and What to Do Right Away)
1. Toothache That Doesn’t Go Away
If your child complains of ongoing tooth pain, especially with swelling or sensitivity to temperature, it may indicate:
- A deep cavity
- An infected or abscessed tooth
- Gum irritation or injury
What to do:
- Rinse the mouth with warm saltwater
- Gently brush to remove debris
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek
- Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums
When to call us: If the pain lasts more than a few hours or is affecting eating/sleeping.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth (Permanent)
If your child loses a permanent tooth due to trauma, act fast. Reimplantation is time-sensitive.
What to do:
- Locate the tooth and hold it by the crown, not the root
- Rinse briefly with milk or saline if dirty — don’t scrub
- Try to place it back in the socket, or store it in cold milk
- See a dentist within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving it
What if it’s a baby tooth?
Do not reinsert it. Call us to check for gum or nerve damage.
3. Chipped or Broken Tooth
Even a small chip can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infection.
What to do:
- Rinse the mouth with warm water
- Save any tooth fragments
- Apply a cold compress for swelling
- Cover sharp edges with dental wax if needed
We may recommend:
- Smoothing the tooth
- Dental bonding
- A pediatric crown for larger breaks
4. Dental Abscess or Swelling
A swollen cheek, pimple-like bump on the gums, or fever could indicate an abscess — a serious infection that requires urgent care.
Do not wait — untreated infections can spread quickly.
Call us immediately if you notice swelling, pus, or intense pain.
5. Something Stuck Between Teeth
If food or an object is lodged and flossing doesn’t help:
- Don’t use sharp objects like pins or toothpicks
- Try gently massaging the area with floss or water
- If discomfort persists, let us safely remove it
When to Go to the ER vs. the Pediatric Dentist
See a pediatric dentist right away for:
- Toothaches, broken teeth, chipped enamel
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Dental infections or abscesses
- Injuries to lips, cheeks, or gums
Head to the ER if your child has:
- Head trauma or loss of consciousness
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- Severe swelling affecting breathing
Not sure what to do? Call us — we’ll guide you.
Why Parents Trust Tooth + Tongue Dental for Urgent Care
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Pediatric experts trained in calming anxious children
- Modern tools for fast, comfortable treatment
- A kid-friendly office where children feel safe — even in stressful moments
We’re here to get your child out of pain and back to smiling — fast.
Save This Number for Dental Emergencies
📞 Tooth + Tongue Dental
+1 (925) 949-8427
Whether it’s a chipped tooth or a swollen face, we’re just a phone call away when your child needs urgent care.
