It happens in a flash. A tumble off the monkey bars at Bass Lake Park. A stray elbow during a Saturday game at Ting Park. A face-first slip at the pool. Suddenly there’s blood, tears, and a tooth that isn’t where it should be.
In moments like these, knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make a real difference. Keep this guide handy. Bookmark it, screenshot it, or stick it on the fridge.
First: Call our dental office
Call us right away if your child:
- Lost consciousness, seems confused, or vomits after a head injury
- Has trouble breathing or swallowing
- Has bleeding that won’t stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure
- May have a broken jaw or other facial bones
- Has severe facial swelling, especially with fever or swelling near the eye
If you find your child experiencing any of the above-mentioned conditions, reach out to us immediately. Our prompt care ensures your little one recovers soon without any distress.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If it’s a permanent (adult) tooth, act fast. Minutes matter.
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, the white part. Don’t touch the root.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water. Don’t scrub it.
- If your child is old enough and calm, gently push it back into the socket and have them bite on a clean cloth to hold it.
- If that’s not possible, put the tooth in a cup of cold milk. Don’t wrap it in a tissue or let it dry out.
- Call us right away. The sooner the tooth is treated, ideally within the first hour, the better its chances.
If it’s a baby tooth, don’t put it back in. Replanting a baby tooth can damage the permanent tooth growing underneath. Call us so we can check your child’s mouth and the area around it.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and press gauze on any bleeding. Use a cold compress on the outside of the face to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken piece, save it in milk or water and bring it with you. Sometimes we can bond it back in place.
Tooth Pushed Out of Place
If a tooth has been pushed in, out, or sideways, don’t try to force it back. Call us right away. Baby teeth and permanent teeth are handled differently, and timing matters for both.
Toothache
- Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove trapped food
- Hold a cold compress on the cheek
- Give children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed on the label
- Never put aspirin directly on the gums, as it can burn the tissue
Call us if the pain lasts, keeps your child up at night, or comes with swelling or fever. Facial swelling can be a sign of infection and shouldn’t wait.
Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek
Press a clean, damp cloth firmly on the area and hold a cold compress against it. Small cuts in the mouth usually heal quickly. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes of pressure, head to urgent care or the ER.
How We Handle Emergencies
Dr. Banakus completed her general practice residency at a Level-1 Trauma Center in Brooklyn, New York, before her pediatric dental residency. That hospital training shapes how calmly and quickly our team responds when a child is hurt.
We welcome drop-in and emergency visits during office hours at our Holly Springs and Wendell offices. After hours, our 24-hour on-call emergency line connects you with help when you need it. Call our main number, and you’ll be guided from there.
Prevention: Mouthguards for Active Kids
From Holly Springs youth soccer to Wendell’s basketball courts, kids here stay busy. A properly fitted mouthguard, worn at practice and games, can greatly reduce the risk of serious dental injury. Ask us about mouthguards at your child’s next checkup, especially for contact sports.
Save Our Number Now
Don’t wait for an emergency to look us up. Save (919) 200-0463 in your phone today: ext. 1 for Holly Springs, ext. 2 for Wendell. For non-urgent concerns, you can also request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a dental emergency for kids?
A knocked-out permanent tooth, a tooth pushed out of place, a broken tooth with pain, severe toothache, or swelling in the face or gums.
Should I go to the ER or call the dentist?
Go to the ER for head injuries, breathing problems, uncontrolled bleeding, or possible jaw fractures. For tooth injuries alone, call us first.
My child’s baby tooth was knocked out. Is that a big deal?
It’s important to have it checked, but we won’t put it back in. We’ll make sure there’s no damage to the permanent tooth or surrounding area.
Can a tooth turn dark after an injury?
Yes. A tooth may darken weeks after a bump. Let us know, because it can signal a change in the nerve that we should monitor.
What should I bring to an emergency visit?
Bring any tooth or tooth pieces in milk, a list of your child’s medications, and your insurance card if you have one handy.
Do you treat emergencies for new patients?
Call our office and explain what happened. Our team will help you decide the right next step.
