Pediatric Dental Emergencies
If your child experiences a dental emergency, contact usClick to open in this tab right away. If you need urgent treatment after our regular hours, call our emergency number.
Below, you’ll find quick tips for handling common pediatric dental emergencies. We recommend printing this list and keeping it somewhere accessible, for peace of mind when every second counts.
Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies
- Object Caught in Teeth
If something is stuck between your child’s teeth:
- Use dental floss to remove it gently
- Never use a sharp object like metal or plastic
- If floss doesn’t work, call our office for guidance
- Toothache
If your child complains of a toothache:
- Rinse their mouth with warm water
- Inspect the teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them
If pain continues and there’s nothing stuck:
- Use a cold compress to ease the pain
- Do not apply heat, aspirin, or topical pain relievers directly to gums
- Children’s pain relievers may be taken orally
- Schedule an appointment immediately
- Bitten Lip or Tongue
If your child bites their lip or tongue hard enough to cause bleeding:
- Gently clean the area with water
- Apply a cold compress (such as a cold, wet towel) to reduce swelling
- Call our office to help assess whether medical or dental attention is needed
- Loose Tooth
If your child has a very loose tooth:
- It may need to be removed to prevent it from being swallowed or inhaled
- Contact us if you’re unsure whether it’s safe to leave the tooth in place
Serious Pediatric Dental Injuries
Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth
If your child chips or breaks their tooth:
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your child has knocked out a tooth:
If you act quickly, it’s possible to save the tooth.
Suspected Broken Jaw
If you suspect a broken jaw:
A broken jaw is often the result of a blow to the head, which can be serious or life-threatening—Seek help immediately.
Avoiding Injury
Many dental emergencies can be prevented with a few simple precautions:
Canton
1657 North Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48187
frontdesk@cantonpediatricdentist.com
(734) 335-7270