Children explore the world with curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm — which means bumps, falls, and minor accidents are almost guaranteed. While many mishaps result in nothing more than a scraped knee, some incidents affect the teeth and gums. Knowing how to respond in those crucial first minutes helps protect your child’s smile and prevent long-term dental issues.
Here’s a parent-friendly guide to the most common childhood dental accidents and what to do before visiting an emergency dental clinic in Edmonton.
1. Chipped or Broken Teeth
Falls on playgrounds, rough play, or biting down on hard objects can cause a tooth to chip or break. Even if your child doesn’t complain of pain, the tooth may still be sensitive or damaged internally.
What parents should do:
Rinse the mouth with warm water
Save any broken pieces
Apply a cold compress if swelling occurs
Avoid hard or crunchy foods
Schedule an emergency dental visit
Dentists can smooth, bond, or restore the tooth depending on the severity of the injury.
2. Knocked-Out Permanent Teeth
This is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Permanent teeth that are knocked out have the best chance of survival if treated within the first hour.
Immediate steps:
Find the tooth and hold it by the crown
Rinse quickly with water (do not scrub)
Try placing it gently back in the socket
If not possible, store it in milk
Visit a dentist immediately
For baby teeth, do not try to reinsert them. The dentist will check for damage and ensure that adult teeth beneath are not affected.
3. Tooth Displacement or Loosening
Sometimes teeth become pushed inward, outward, or sideways after impact, even if they don’t fall out completely.
What to do:
Avoid moving the tooth yourself
Have your child bite gently on gauze if uncomfortable
Get a dental evaluation promptly
Early treatment prevents long-term alignment problems.
4. Bitten Lips, Tongue, or Cheeks
Kids often bite their lips or tongue accidentally while eating or playing. Most minor soft tissue injuries heal quickly.
Care tips:
Clean the area gently
Apply pressure with clean gauze to stop bleeding
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
Offer soft foods until the area heals
If bleeding continues for more than 10–15 minutes, seek immediate care.
5. Objects Stuck Between Teeth
Children sometimes get food or small objects wedged between teeth.
Safe steps:
Use dental floss to remove it gently
Never use sharp metal objects
If it won’t come out, visit a dentist
Leaving objects stuck can cause irritation or infection.
6. Toothaches From Hidden Problems
Tooth pain in children may come from cavities, new teeth erupting, or something lodged between teeth.
How to help at home:
Rinse with warm salt water
Floss gently
Avoid cold or sugary foods
If the pain continues, becomes severe, or is paired with swelling, your child may need urgent care.
Final Note
Childhood dental accidents are common, but knowing how to respond makes a big difference. Quick action can reduce pain, prevent infection, and protect developing teeth. When in doubt, getting guidance from an emergency dental clinic in Edmonton is always the safest choice.
For more information about dental care or available services, you can visit https://fhfd.ca/