Top 3 Dental Emergencies in Kids and What to Do Until You Get to the Dentist

When it comes to children's dental health, emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth during a soccer game or a sudden toothache at bedtime, knowing how to react quickly can make all the difference. At Doctor Sugar's office in Paradise Valley, AZ, we are here to support families through every dental emergency with expert advice and compassionate care.

Here’s a guide to the three most common dental emergencies in kids—and what you should do until you can get professional help.

1. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies in kids. If your child’s permanent tooth is knocked out, time is critical.

What to Do:

Find the tooth immediately and hold it by the crown (the top part), not the root.

Rinse it gently with water if dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments.

Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible. If not, place the tooth in a container of milk or your child's saliva.

Call your pediatric dentist in Paradise Valley, AZ right away. Quick action—ideally within 30 minutes—gives the best chance of saving the tooth.

Note: If it’s a baby tooth, do not try to reinsert it. Contact your dentist for the best next steps.

2. Severe Toothache

Toothaches can happen for many reasons, including cavities, infections, or trauma. If your child is complaining of persistent or severe tooth pain, it’s important to address it quickly.

What to Do:

Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.

Use dental floss to gently remove any food that might be stuck between teeth.

Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling if necessary.

Avoid placing aspirin or other painkillers directly on the gums, as this can burn the tissue.

Schedule an urgent visit with your pediatric dentist to diagnose and treat the cause.

3. Chipped or Fractured Tooth

Chips and cracks are common in active children. Whether from a fall, a sports injury, or biting into something hard, a broken tooth needs prompt care to prevent further damage.

What to Do:

Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.

If you find any broken pieces of the tooth, store them in milk and bring them to the dentist.

Use a cold compress to reduce swelling if the injury is painful.

Contact your kids’ dentist in Paradise Valley, AZ as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and plan appropriate treatment.

How Doctor Sugar in Paradise Valley, AZ Can Help

At Doctor Sugar’s practice, we know that dental emergencies can be stressful for both kids and parents. Our caring team is trained to handle urgent pediatric dental issues with expertise and compassion. Whether it's a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or a chipped tooth, we prioritize emergency cases to ensure your child gets the immediate care they need.

If your child experiences a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re here to keep Paradise Valley's brightest smiles healthy and strong, one emergency at a time.

Need immediate help? Contact Doctor Sugar’s kids dentistry team in Paradise Valley, AZ today for expert emergency dental care.