Dental trauma – What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Children are adventurous by nature — bumps, falls, and tumbles are part of growing up. But when a dental emergency strikes, staying calm and knowing what to do can make all the difference.

🚨Dental Trauma (Tooth Injury)

We classify dental injuries in two major age groups:

👶 A. Trauma in Primary (Baby) Teeth – Usually Below 6 Years

DO NOT try to reinsert a baby tooth if it’s knocked out. Attempting to push it back may harm the developing permanent tooth underneath.

✅ What to do:

Stay calm and comfort your child
Gently check for any bleeding — apply pressure with clean gauze or cloth
Look for signs of concussion, vomiting, or head injury. If absent, contact your pediatric dentist immediately
If the tooth is chipped, bring the piece if found
Avoid letting the child bite on the injured area
Maintain soft diet and good hygiene till you visit

📍Most primary tooth injuries are managed conservatively — your dentist will assess whether to monitor, smooth, or remove the tooth if needed.

🧒 B. Trauma in Permanent Teeth – Usually Above 6 Years

🦷 If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out (Avulsion):

⏱️ Act fast — every minute matters!

✅ Do:

Hold the tooth by the crown (top part), not the root
Do NOT scrub or handle the root
If dirty, gently rinse with milk or coconut water (preferred) — not tap water
If the child is conscious and cooperative, gently place it back in the socket
If not possible, store the tooth in:
- Cold milk 🥛 (best option)
- Tender coconut water 🥥
- Inside the child’s cheek (if they’re old enough to hold it without swallowing)
Reach the dental clinic within 30 minutes ideally

❌ Don’t:

Don’t use plain water for storage
Don’t wrap it in tissue or cloth
Don’t delay — the sooner we replant it, the better the chances of saving it

🦷 If a piece of the tooth is broken:

Retrieve the broken fragment if possible and store it in milk or saline
Rinse the child’s mouth with water
Apply cold compress if swollen
Visit us at the earliest — many broken teeth can be rebuilt beautifully using bonding or crowns

📞 Keep Our Emergency Number Handy

Our team at KidznTeenz is trained to handle pediatric dental emergencies with skill and compassion. Whether it’s trauma, pain, or swelling — we’re here to help your child feel better, fast.

Have a Question

Frequently Asked Questions

In case of dental trauma, stay calm and rinse the mouth with clean water. If a tooth is broken or knocked out, keep it moist in milk or saliva and avoid touching the root. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Seek immediate dental care to prevent further damage and improve the chances of saving the tooth.

Yes, most tooth traumas are dental emergencies. A broken, loose, or knocked-out tooth requires urgent attention to prevent permanent damage. Quick treatment can save the tooth, reduce infection risk, and restore function. Even minor chips or cracks should be evaluated promptly, as underlying damage to nerves or roots may cause long-term complications if left untreated.

Tooth pain after trauma may last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity. Minor injuries often improve within a week, while deeper damage involving the tooth’s nerve or supporting structures may cause prolonged discomfort. Persistent or worsening pain should be assessed by a dentist promptly to rule out infection or internal tooth damage.