Dental injuries and emergencies are common in children. Approximately one-third of children experience some type of dental trauma, with peak risk during toddlerhood (18-40 months) and preadolescence/adolescence (often due to sports).

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Toothache

Causes: Tooth fractures, decay, trauma, or wisdom teeth eruption.

  • Rinse the area with warm water; do not medicate the tooth or gum directly.
  • Remove impacted food using a toothbrush, clean finger, or floss.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Contact the pediatric dentist if pain persists.

Dental Avulsion (Knocked-Out Tooth)

Permanent teeth should be reimplanted immediately; primary teeth generally are not reimplanted.

  • Handle the tooth by the crown only; avoid touching the root.
  • Rinse debris with water; do not scrub.
  • Insert the tooth back into its socket or place in cheek pouch; younger children can have the tooth stored in milk or saliva.
  • Keep the tooth moist and seek immediate dental care or emergency services.

Dental Intrusion (Tooth Pushed Into Jawbone)

  • Rinse the mouth with cold water.
  • Apply ice packs externally to reduce swelling.
  • Offer Tylenol or appropriate pain relief.
  • Contact the pediatric dentist or go to the Emergency Room.

Tooth Luxation/Extrusion/Lateral Displacement

  • Apply a cold, moist compress to the affected area.
  • Offer children’s pain relief medication.
  • Seek immediate pediatric dental care.

Crown Fracture

  • Rinse the mouth with warm water.
  • Apply a cold, moist compress.
  • Provide pain relief.
  • Pack the tooth with a biocompatible material if available.
  • Contact the pediatric dentist or visit the Emergency Room based on severity.

Root Fracture

  • Apply a cold compress.
  • Give pain relief (Children’s Tylenol).
  • Contact the pediatric dentist for evaluation and treatment options.

Dental Concussion

Occurs when a tooth is hit but not dislodged or fractured. Discoloration may occur. Emergency treatment is generally not required unless the tooth turns black or dark.

Injured Cheek, Lip, or Tongue

  • Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding.
  • Use ice to reduce swelling.
  • Seek emergency medical attention if bleeding is uncontrollable.

Fractured Jaw

  • Go immediately to the Emergency Room.
  • Encourage minimal jaw movement; gently secure with a scarf if necessary for very young children.

Head Injury/Head Trauma

Seek emergency medical care immediately, even if the child is conscious, to rule out concussion or internal bleeding.