Even the most careful kids can have dental accidents. From slipping at the playground to a stray soccer ball at practice. When something unexpected happens, knowing what to do in those first few moments can make a big difference in saving your child’s tooth and easing their pain.
At Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry, we treat dental emergencies in Redmond and Bend every week. Our team is experienced in helping parents stay calm and guiding them through what can feel like a stressful situation.
Here’s what you should know about the most common dental emergencies in children and how to respond:
Toothaches and Sudden Pain
A toothache is one of the most common reasons parents call our pediatric dental office in Redmond & Bend. It may be caused by food trapped between teeth, a small cavity, or sometimes an infection.
Start by gently flossing around the affected tooth to remove debris, then rinse your child’s mouth with warm water. If pain persists or swelling develops, contact our office right away. Never apply aspirin directly to the gums as it can cause irritation.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
Falls, sports injuries, or even chewing on hard foods can cause chips or breaks. If you can find the broken piece, place it in milk or saline solution and bring it with you. Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Our kids dentist in Redmond & Bend can often repair minor chips the same day and provide bonding or crowns for larger breaks.
Knocked-Out (Permanent) Teeth
If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, time is critical. Hold the tooth by the crown (the top part), not the root. Rinse it gently with water, no scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket if your child can hold it comfortably. If not, store it in milk or a clean container of saliva and call our office immediately.
Getting to the dentist within 30 minutes offers the best chance of saving the tooth.
Knocked-Out (Baby) Teeth
If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not try to reinsert it. Instead, rinse your child’s mouth with water and apply gentle pressure with gauze to stop any bleeding. Contact us to evaluate whether the underlying adult tooth could be affected.
Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek
Kids sometimes accidentally bite soft tissue during play or after anesthesia. Rinse the area with water and apply a cold compress. If bleeding continues after 10 minutes or the cut is deep, visit our office or the nearest urgent care.
Objects Stuck Between Teeth
If something is wedged between your child’s teeth, use dental floss to remove it carefully. Never use sharp tools or metal objects, as they can cause injury. If you can’t remove it easily, we can help safely at either our Bend or Redmond office.
Staying Prepared
Keep a small dental emergency kit at home that includes:
- Clean gauze pads
- A small container for storing teeth
- Dental floss
- Cold compress or ice pack
- Contact numbers for your pediatric dentist
When you’re prepared, it’s easier to act quickly and confidently in a stressful moment.
When to Call the Dentist Immediately
Always reach out if your child experiences:
- Persistent tooth pain or swelling
- A knocked-out or broken tooth
- Cuts that won’t stop bleeding
- Any mouth injury that causes significant pain
At Deschutes Pediatric Dentistry, we provide same-day pediatric emergency appointments in Redmond & Bend as well as after-hours guidance for parents across Central Oregon.
We understand emergencies don’t wait for regular office hours, and that’s why we’re here when you need us most.
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency in Redmond or Bend call our office right away. Our pediatric team will walk you through the next steps and ensure your child gets fast, gentle care.
