Accidents happen—especially with kids! Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a sudden toothache, or a chipped tooth from a playground fall, knowing how to respond in a dental emergency can make all the difference in protecting your child’s smile.

At Montgomery, Prattville & Pike Road Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we specialize in gentle, kid-friendly emergency dental care to provide fast relief and expert treatment. Here’s what parents need to know when a dental emergency strikes.

Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies & What to Do

1. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

A fall, sports injury, or rough play can sometimes knock out a baby or permanent tooth.

What to do:

• For a Baby Tooth: Do not try to reinsert it. Call us immediately to check for damage and prevent complications.
• For a Permanent Tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown (top), not the root. Rinse it with milk or water (no scrubbing!). If possible, gently place it back in the socket and have your child bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion isn’t possible, store it in a cup of milk or saliva and get to our office within 30 minutes.

Call us immediately for emergency care!

2. Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth

Kids love to run, jump, and play—sometimes leading to a chipped or fractured tooth.

What to do:

• Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• If you find the broken piece, store it in milk or saliva and bring it with you.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods until we assess the damage.

Call us right away! Minor chips may need smoothing, while larger fractures may require bonding or crowns.

3. Severe Toothache or Dental Pain

A sudden toothache can be a sign of infection, decay, or food stuck between teeth.

What to do:

• Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.
• Floss gently to remove any trapped food.
• Give child-safe pain relief (like acetaminophen) if needed.
• Apply a cold compress to the cheek for swelling.
• Avoid aspirin or placing pain relievers directly on the gums—this can cause irritation.

Call us ASAP! Toothaches should never be ignored. We’ll diagnose the cause and provide relief.

4. Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

Accidentally biting the tongue or lip can lead to pain and bleeding.

What to do:

• Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10-15 minutes, seek emergency care.

Call us if the wound is deep or doesn’t stop bleeding.

5. Object Stuck Between Teeth

If something is lodged between your child’s teeth, it can cause pain and discomfort.

What to do:

• Use floss to gently remove the object—never use sharp tools like toothpicks or tweezers.
• If it doesn’t come out, call us for an emergency visit.

We can safely remove the object and prevent damage to your child’s teeth or gums.

How We Handle Pediatric Dental Emergencies in Montgomery, AL

At Montgomery, Prattville & Pike Road Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we provide:

• Same-day dental and orthodontic emergency appointments whenever possible.
• A kid-friendly, calming environment to ease your child’s fears.
• Expert treatments, including fillings, crowns, extractions, and more.
• Sedation options if needed for comfort.

Your child’s safety and comfort are our top priorities!

Preventing Dental Emergencies: Tips for Parents

While accidents can’t always be avoided, you can reduce the risk of dental injuries with these simple tips:

• Schedule regular dental check-ups to catch issues early.
• Encourage a healthy diet to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
• Use mouthguards during sports to protect against injuries.
• Teach good oral hygiene habits to prevent decay and infections.
• Limit sticky and hard foods that can crack teeth.

If your child has a dental emergency in Montgomery, AL, don’t wait—call us right away! At Montgomery, Prattville & Pike Road Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to provide quick, expert, and compassionate care when your child needs it most.