What to Do When Your Child Has a Dental Crisis

Dental emergencies can be frightening—for kids and parents alike. Whether your child has a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a mouth injury, staying calm and knowing what to do can make all the difference.

At Northfield Pediatric Dentistry in Denver, CO, Dr. Rosalyn Shkolnikov (“Dr. Roz”) and our caring team specialize in managing dental emergencies for children in a sensory-friendly, judgment-free environment. This guide walks you through what to do when your child experiences a dental emergency—and how we’re here to help.

This Article Will Address

• What qualifies as a pediatric dental emergency
• How to respond to common dental injuries
• What to do if a permanent or baby tooth is knocked out
• When to call your pediatric dentist immediately
• How to keep your child calm during an emergency
• Where to find emergency pediatric dental care in Denver

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency in Children?

Some dental problems can wait. Others require immediate attention. Here are the most common signs that your child needs emergency care:

• Severe toothache or swelling
• Knocked-out or very loose permanent tooth
• Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
• Persistent bleeding from the mouth
• Injuries to the lips, tongue, gums, or cheeks
• Signs of infection such as pus, fever, or facial swelling
• Possible broken jaw

If you’re unsure, call us. We’ll guide you through the next steps and determine whether your child should be seen right away.

How to Handle the Most Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies:

Toothache

• Gently clean around the affected tooth.
• Have your child rinse with warm water.
• Carefully floss to remove trapped food or debris.
• Do not apply aspirin to the gums or tooth—it can damage tissue.
• Use a cold compress if there’s swelling.
• Call our office to schedule an evaluation.

If it’s after hours, call our main number to reach the on-call dentist.

Cut or Bite to the Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

• Apply a cold compress or ice to reduce swelling.
• Press gently with clean gauze to control bleeding.
• If bleeding continues after 15 minutes—or is heavy—go to the nearest emergency room.

What Should I Do If My Child Knocks Out a Tooth?

Permanent Tooth

• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root.
• Rinse gently with water if dirty (don’t scrub).
• Try to reinsert the tooth in the socket if it’s intact.
• Have your child bite on gauze to hold it in place.
• Call us immediately—the sooner we see your child, the better the chance of saving the tooth.

If reinserting isn’t possible, store the tooth in:

• Milk
• Saline solution
• Your child’s saliva
• Inside the mouth (between cheek and gums) only if your child won’t swallow it

Then come straight to our office or the nearest emergency facility.

Baby Tooth

• Do not reinsert.
• Call our office for guidance and to assess potential trauma to surrounding teeth or gums.
  

Chipped or Fractured Tooth

Permanent Tooth

• Rinse with warm water.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Bring any broken pieces to the appointment if possible.
• Call our office immediately—early care reduces infection risk and can save the tooth.

Baby Tooth

• Gently clean the area.
• Apply a cold compress to the face.
• Call us to determine if treatment is needed.

Suspected Broken or Fractured Jaw

• Do not move the jaw.
• Go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room for evaluation.

When Should You Contact a Pediatric Dentist Immediately?

Call Northfield Pediatric Dentistry right away if your child:

• Has a tooth that was knocked out or feels extremely loose
• Is experiencing uncontrolled oral bleeding
• Has swelling near the eye, jaw, or neck
• Complains of a toothache with fever
• Shows signs of an infection or abscess

Northfield Pediatric Dentistry offers same-day pediatric emergency care in Denver, CO. Call us immediately if your child shows any of these symptoms.

Calming Your Child During a Dental Emergency:

We know that when your child is in pain or scared, your first instinct is to comfort them. Here’s how you can help:

• Stay calm—your child will take emotional cues from you.
• Use gentle, reassuring words.
• Bring their favorite blanket, toy, or headphones to the visit.
• Let them know that Dr. Roz and her team are here to make them feel better.

Meet Dr. Roz – compassionate dental care from a pediatric specialist you can trust. Our office is equipped with weighted blankets, dimmable lights, and sensory toys to help your child feel comfortable—even during urgent situations.

Pediatric Emergency Dental Care in Denver, CO

No one plans for a dental emergency—but if one happens, you want the right team by your side. At Northfield Pediatric Dentistry in Denver, CO, Dr. Roz and our team deliver the fast, gentle, expert care your child needs to feel safe and recover quickly.

Call us today or request an appointment online for pediatric emergency dental care in Denver.

Sources

• American Academy of Pediatrics – Dental Emergencies
• Colgate Oral Health Center – Emergency Dental Care for Kids
• Blakeney Pediatric Dentistry – Pediatric Dental Emergency Guide