If something has happened, you are in the right place. Here is how to tell the difference between an emergency room and a dental chair — and what to do on the way.
Call 911 immediately, or go to your nearest emergency room, if your child has any of the following:
Most dental emergencies are not 911 situations, but they do need to be seen quickly.
Time matters. Pick the tooth up by the crown, never the root. Rinse it gently with milk or saline if it is dirty — do not scrub it or use soap. If you can, place it back in the socket and have your child bite gently on a clean cloth. If you cannot, keep it in a cup of milk and bring it with you.
Do not try to put it back in. Reinserting a baby tooth can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Bring it with you and call us.
Rinse the mouth with warm water and floss gently either side of the tooth to clear any trapped food. A cold compress on the outside of the cheek can help. Do not place aspirin or painkillers directly against the gum.
Save any pieces you can find, rinse the mouth with warm water, and use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek to limit swelling.
This page is general guidance and is not a substitute for being seen by a clinician. If you are not sure how serious something is, call 911.
