It happens in an instant. One moment, your child is laughing at the park near La Jolla Cove, and the next, they’ve taken a fall, and there’s blood and a broken tooth involved. Panic sets in. What do you do first?

Dental emergencies in children are more common than most parents realize, and knowing what to do in those first critical minutes can make the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. At Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of La Jolla, Dr. Grey Cunningham and our team see worried parents and injured kids regularly. We want you to feel prepared before an emergency ever happens. Having access to a reliable emergency dentist in La Jolla means your child gets the right care at the right time, and that starts with knowing when to call us.

Most Common Dental Emergencies in Children

Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth — the most time-sensitive emergency
Chipped or fractured tooth
Tooth pushed out of position (luxation)
Severe toothache or abscess
Soft tissue injuries — cuts to the lips, tongue, or cheeks
Lost or broken dental restoration (filling or crown)
Object stuck between teeth, causing pain

What to Do — Step by Step

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

This is a true dental emergency. Time is everything — ideally, the tooth should be re-implanted within 30 to 60 minutes.

Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), never the root
If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline — do NOT scrub it
If your child is old enough and calm enough, have them hold it in their cheek (between the gum and inner cheek) while you travel to us
Otherwise, store it in a small container of milk or the child’s saliva
Call our La Jolla office immediately

Note: If it’s a baby tooth that’s been knocked out, do NOT try to reinsert it. Call us, and we’ll advise on next steps.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Rinse the child’s mouth gently with warm water
Save any broken tooth fragments if possible
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek to reduce swelling
Call our office — even a small chip can expose the nerve and become very painful

Severe Toothache

Rinse the mouth with warm water
Check gently for any visible debris between teeth using floss — do NOT poke inside
Do NOT place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — this can cause chemical burns
Use children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed for pain
Call our office for a same-day or next-day appointment

Soft Tissue Injury (Lip, Tongue, Cheek)

Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth to stop bleeding
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
If bleeding doesn’t stop within 10–15 minutes, go to the nearest emergency room

San Diego families near us have quick access to Rady Children’s Hospital in Mission Valley for serious injuries that go beyond dental care.

What NOT to Do in a Dental Emergency

Don’t panic — children pick up on parental anxiety, and it makes the situation harder
Don’t give aspirin to children under 16 for pain
Don’t try to forcefully reposition a displaced tooth yourself
Don’t ignore what seems like minor tooth sensitivity after trauma — it can worsen quickly

Building a Dental Emergency Kit at Home

Every San Diego family should have one of these in the medicine cabinet:

Dental mirror and small flashlight
Sterile gauze pads
Small airtight container (for storing a knocked-out tooth)
Salt and saline solution
Children’s pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
Dental wax (for temporarily covering a sharp broken tooth)
Our office phone number: keep it saved in your contacts

Preventing Dental Emergencies

Not all accidents are avoidable, but many dental injuries are preventable:

Have your child wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during contact sports — especially important for soccer, basketball, and martial arts, all very popular in the San Diego area
Schedule regular check-ups so issues like cavities or weak teeth are caught early
Baby-proof the home for toddlers — falls onto hard floors and furniture edges are a leading cause of dental injuries in young children

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How quickly do I need to see a dentist after a dental emergency?

A: As soon as possible — ideally within the hour for knocked-out teeth, and within 24 hours for most other emergencies. Delaying care increases the risk of infection and permanent damage.

Q: Does my child need dental X-rays after an injury?

A: Often, yes. Even if a tooth looks intact, X-rays can reveal root fractures, bone damage, or injury to developing permanent teeth that aren’t visible to the eye.

Q: My child’s baby tooth was knocked loose but not out — what should I do?

A: Call us. Depending on how loose it is and the child’s age, we may monitor it or extract it to prevent injury to the developing permanent tooth beneath.

Q: Will my dental insurance cover emergency visits for my child?

A: Most dental insurance plans include emergency coverage. Our team can help verify your benefits quickly, so there are no surprises.

Don’t wait until an emergency to know where to turn. Save our number, bookmark this page, and rest easy knowing that Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of La Jolla is here for your family when it matters most. Call us at +1 858-454-4114 to schedule a new patient visit, because the best time to build a relationship with your dentist is before you need us urgently.

**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.

Stay Calm, Act Fast: A Parent’s Guide to Handling Your Child’s Dental Emergency