Dental Emergency Guide

For children — what to do, what not to do, and when to call us immediately.

Rule of thumb: When in doubt, call us. A 2-minute phone call can tell you whether something needs immediate attention or can wait for a regular appointment.

Critical — Call / Visit Immediately

Permanent Tooth Knocked Out

Avulsed (knocked-out) permanent tooth

You have a 30–60 minute window to save the tooth. Every minute counts.

Pick up by the crown (the white part you bite with). Do not touch the root.
If dirty, rinse gently with clean water for 10 seconds. Do not scrub, do not use soap.
Try to place it back in the socket and have the child bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it. If unable to reimplant:
Store in cold milk, saliva (under the tongue if the child is old enough not to swallow), or a tooth preservation kit. Never store in water.
Come immediately. Bring the tooth. Call ahead so we're ready.

Baby tooth: Do NOT reimplant a knocked-out baby tooth—it can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Call us, but it's not the same emergency.

Facial Swelling

Swollen face, jaw, or neck

Swelling that spreads beyond the gum—especially to the face, jaw, or neck—suggests a dental abscess that may be spreading to other tissue. This is a medical emergency.

Do not apply heat (it can accelerate the spread).
Do not attempt to self-treat. Contact us immediately.
If swelling is severe or the child has difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
For moderate swelling, call us straight away.

Uncontrolled Bleeding

Mouth or gum bleeding that won't stop

Apply firm, gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth for 10–15 minutes without releasing.
Have the child sit upright and lean forward slightly to prevent swallowing blood.
If bleeding continues after 15 minutes of steady pressure, call us or go to A&E.
Some oozing after a tooth extraction is normal. Active spurting or pooling is not.

Tooth Driven Into Gum

Intruded tooth (pushed up into gum after fall)

If a tooth is driven upward or inward into the gum after impact, do not attempt to pull it out. Call us immediately—this requires an X-ray to assess damage to the root and the developing permanent tooth.

Urgent — Call Within 24 Hours

Severe Toothache

Toothache or dental pain

Keep your child calm and comfortable.
Do not place anything directly on the tooth or gum.
If pain is severe, persistent, or wakes the child at night, call us the same day.
Avoid very hot or very cold foods while waiting.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Fractured or chipped tooth

Rinse the mouth with warm water.
If there's a sharp edge cutting the tongue or cheek, cover it with a small piece of sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax (available at pharmacies).
Save any large broken pieces in milk or saliva—we may be able to bond them back.
Apply a cold compress to the lip or cheek to reduce swelling.
Call us within 24 hours, or sooner if there is significant pain.

Loose Tooth from Injury

Tooth loosened by trauma (not normal wiggling)

If a tooth is very loose after a fall or blow, avoid touching or wiggling it further.
Offer soft foods only and have the child bite gently.
Call us for same-day or next-day assessment. An X-ray will show whether the root is damaged.

Lost Filling or Crown

Lost filling, crown, or dental appliance

A dental cement (available at pharmacies as "temporary filling material") can protect the tooth temporarily.
Avoid chewing on that side.
Call us for an appointment within 1–2 days.

Can Wait — Book a Regular Appointment

Non-Urgent

These don't need emergency care

Knocked-out baby tooth: Natural, no reimplantation needed. Book a check-up to confirm no other damage.
Mild sensitivity to hot or cold without visible damage.
Minor chip with no pain, no sharp edge, no exposed nerve.
Mild gum soreness during teething.
Broken braces wire: Cover the sharp end with dental wax and call the orthodontist.

What to Bring to an Emergency Visit

Any knocked-out tooth or tooth fragment (stored in milk or saliva)
Your child's medical history and list of current medications
A note on when the injury happened and how
Insurance card if applicable

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