A knocked-out adult tooth
Time matters. Hold the tooth by the top, not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline. Do not scrub it. Try to put it back in the socket and have your child bite on a clean cloth.
If you cannot put it back, place the tooth in a glass of milk and bring your child and the glass to us right away.
A knocked-out baby tooth
Do not put a baby tooth back in. It can harm the adult tooth growing underneath. Rinse your child's mouth with water, hold a cold cloth on the lip, and call us.
If you cannot find the tooth and your child coughs or has trouble breathing, go to the emergency room.
Chips, toothaches and swelling
For a chipped tooth, save any pieces and call us. For a toothache, rinse with warm water and floss gently in case food is stuck. Swelling in the face, or a fever with a toothache, needs a visit the same day.
When to go to the emergency room
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for a head injury, trouble breathing, bleeding that does not stop with pressure, or a possible broken jaw.
Questions about dental emergencies
Do you see emergencies for children who are not yet patients?
Yes, during office hours. Call, tell us what happened, and we will find a time that day.
Should I give my child pain medicine?
Ask your pediatrician or pharmacist which medicine and dose is right for your child's age and weight. Tell us what you gave when you call.
Reviewed by Dr. Rowan Pelletreau, DMD, October 7, 2026