Be Prepared for a Dental Emergency

While we hope your child never experiences a dental emergency, accidents can happen–and being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing what to do in the moment could mean saving a tooth instead of losing it. It’s also important to keep your dentist’s phone number handy.

If your child has a dental emergency, contact us immediately as (681) 233-4025.
If our office is closed, please go to the nearest emergency center for immediate care.

What to Do in Common Dental Emergencies:

If a permanent tooth is knocked out:

• Keep the tooth moist at all times.
• If possible, gently place it back in the socket.
• If that is too painful, have your child hold it between their cheek and gums, or place it in milk to try to save it.
• Do not place the tooth back in your child’s mouth if there’s a risk of them swallowing it.

If a tooth is cracked or chipped, or if the tongue or lip is bitten:

• Rinse the mouth gently with warm water.
• Apply a warm compress to reduce swelling.

If something is stuck between the teeth:

• Use floss to gently remove it.
• Never use sharp objects to try to dislodge anything.

Do not give aspirin to children for pain relief, as it has been linked to Reye’s syndrome. Use child-safe alternatives instead.

Preventing Dental Injuries:

• Always have your child wear a mouthguard during sports and other physical activities.
• Avoid hard foods like ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels, which can crack or break teeth.
• Teach your child (and remind yourself!) to use scissors–not teeth–to open packages or cut objects.

If you have any questions or need more information about emergency care or our services, please contact us at (681) 233-4025.