Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Loose Tooth: This is normal and not a dental emergency if it’s a baby tooth. However, a loose permanent tooth due to trauma needs immediate attention. Please call our office at (203) 371-8282 as soon as possible so our team can arrange for your child to be seen.

Knocked-Out Tooth: A tooth may become dislodged due to severe trauma to the face. Taking quick action is crucial to save it, especially if it is a permanent tooth. First, try to put the tooth back in place where it fell out. If that isn’t possible, we recommend putting the tooth in a glass of milk. Be careful not to touch it by the root, but instead hold it by the crown (the top). You should control the bleeding by placing gauze on the impacted area and apply a cold compress. Seek medical attention immediately.

Chipped/Cracked Tooth: Accidents or falls can lead to chipped or broken teeth, which may cause pain and sensitivity. Make sure you collect any pieces if possible and rinse them gently with warm water. Have your child delicately rinse their mouth with warm water, but do not spit it out. Instead, let the water drain out the side of their mouth.

Toothache: A toothache may happen for many reasons, including food particles stuck in between the teeth or under the gum. The best method is to gargle with warm salt water in order to remove any food. If your child is in pain, you may give them the recommended dosage from over-the-counter pain medication.

Broken Jaw: If your child has suffered a broken jaw, immediately place a cold compress or ice pack on it to keep the swelling down. This is a very serious situation and requires immediate medical attention.

Lost Filling: Children may lose a filling while they are eating, brushing their teeth or flossing. As a result, your child may experience some discomfort and tooth sensitivity. You can give them pain medication, such as ibuprofen, or apply Orajel to numb the area. Call our office at (203) 371-8282 to schedule an appointment to repair the filling.

Soft Tissue Injury: Injuries to the lips, tongue, cheeks or gums, often due to falls or sports activities, can cause bleeding. It is important to control the bleeding by applying pressure with a piece of gauze. You can also give them ice or a popsicle to suck on as the cooling sensation can provide relief.