A dental emergency is any urgent dental issue that needs immediate care. This may be to stop pain, control bleeding or save a tooth.

Dental emergencies may include:

• A knocked-out tooth
• Severe tooth pain or swelling
• Broken or cracked teeth
• Injury to the mouth, lips or jaw
• Bleeding that won’t stop

A dentist should address these problems as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection.

How to prevent dental injuries:

• Have your child wear a mouthguard during sports
• Always have your child in a seatbelt or car seat
• Childproof your home to help prevent falls and other injuries
• Have your child visit the dentist on a regular basis

Dental issues can occur without warning. Often, your child may need care right away.
Here are some simple steps to take for common problems:

• Baby tooth knocked out: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth if there’s bleeding.  Call your child’s dentist right away.
• Adult tooth knocked out: Find the tooth and rinse it with cold water, place it back in the socket and gently hold it there. If that’s not possible, store it in milk, saliva or water. Go to the dentist or emergency room immediately — quick care may save the tooth.
• Chipped tooth: Rinse your child's mouth with cold water and put a cold compress on the face to help reduce swelling. If you find the broken piece, bring it with you. See the dentist as soon as possible to prevent infection and further damage.
• Toothache: Rinse your child’s mouth with cool water and apply a cold compress on the outside of their face. Do use heat or aspirin on the sore area. Call the dentist to schedule a visit.

Before

Before heading to Children’s Wisconsin:

• Stay calm and comfort your child.
• If a tooth gets knocked out, rinse it gently in water. Try to place it back in the socket or store it in milk, saliva or water.
• Apply a cold compress if there’s swelling or pain.
• Call your child’s dentist right away. Our team will guide you on what to do and when to come in.

During

When you arrive, our team will:

• Assess your child’s needs
• Help manage pain and swelling
• Take X-rays if needed to check for damage
• Clean any injured areas and begin treatment — this may include saving a tooth, easing pain or planning follow-up care

After

After your visit, we’ll provide clear guidance on how to care for your child’s mouth at home. This may include tips on eating, brushing and pain relief. We’ll also help you schedule follow-up visits as needed.

Children’s Wisconsin offers convenient hours, including evening visits and 24-hour emergency services.

Level I trauma center: When the worst happens, our Level I pediatric trauma center stands ready to respond to a child’s immediate crisis. The American College of Surgeons gives this only to hospitals that offer top-quality care and meet specific standards.

Expert care for all: Our team knows how to care for all kids in a safe and kind way. This includes those with delays, sensory issues or health conditions.

All-in-one services: We offer complete dental care. From cleanings and checkups to surgery and braces, we do it all.

Hospital care: When needed, we can provide safe dental care with sleep medicine at our top-ranked children’s hospital.