Common causes of dental emergencies in kids
Most pediatric dental emergencies come from falls, sports collisions, biting down on something hard, or a cavity that's gone unnoticed until it suddenly hurts. Baby teeth and adult teeth are handled a little differently, so it helps to know which one is involved before you call.
Knocked-out or loosened tooth
If it's a baby (primary) tooth, don't try to reinsert it — call a dentist to check the area, since a baby tooth coming out early can affect the adult tooth underneath. If it's a permanent tooth, time matters: hold it by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently if dirty, and try to keep it moist — in milk or the child's own saliva — while you get to a dentist as fast as possible.
Chipped tooth or a hard fall
Rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to any swelling, and save any broken piece if you can find it. Even if the tooth looks fine, a hard knock can affect the tooth's nerve, so it's worth a check-up within a day or two.
Call a dentist right away if…
These signs mean it's worth same-day or after-hours care, not a wait-and-see approach.
Finding a dentist who treats children
Both pediatric dentists and many general/family dentists treat kids — the directory listings note this where available. When you call, it's fine to simply ask: "do you see children for emergencies?" before you head over.