Kids are active, adventurous and sometimes, accidents happen. Whether it’s a fall at the playground or a chipped tooth at sport, dental emergencies in children are more common than you think.

Knowing what to do in those critical first moments can make a huge difference. At Emu Plains Family Dental, we’re here to help you stay calm, act fast, and protect your child’s smile.

Here’s a quick guide to common dental emergencies and what every parent should know.

1. Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth

What to do:

• If it’s a permanent tooth, find it and hold it by the crown (not the root).
• Rinse it gently with water – don’t scrub.
• Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket (if your child can manage).
• If not, place it in milk or saline, and get to the dentist immediately.

Important: Baby teeth shouldn’t be reinserted – call us right away for advice.

2. Chipped or Broken Tooth

What to do:

• Rinse the mouth with warm water.
  
• Keep any broken fragments in milk or wrapped in moist gauze.
  
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  
• See us as soon as possible – we’ll assess the damage and plan the best fix.

3. Toothache or Sensitivity

What to do:

• Rinse with warm saltwater.
  
• Use a cold compress for swelling or discomfort.
  
• Avoid aspirin or applying heat directly.
  
• Call the clinic – pain often signals infection or decay that needs attention.

4. Bitten Tongue or Lip

What to do:

• Gently clean the area and apply a cold compress.
  
• If bleeding doesn’t stop within 10 – 15 minutes, seek medical care.
  
• Keep an eye out for signs of infection as the area heals.

5. Object Stuck Between Teeth

What to do:

• Try gently using floss – never a sharp object.
  
• If it won’t budge, don’t force it. Call us instead for a safe removal.

Bonus Tip: Keep a Dental Emergency Kit

Stock your first aid kit with:

• Clean gauze
  
• A small container with a lid
  
• Saline or milk
  
• Cold pack
  
• Our clinic’s phone number on the fridge!
  

We’re Here When You Need Us

At Emu Plains Family Dental, we offer emergency dental care for children, with same-day appointments available for urgent cases.

Call us immediately on (02) 4704 9976 if your child has a dental emergency or book online for fast, compassionate care from a team who understands kids.

Supporting Penrith, Emu Plains, Glenbrook, and surrounding families.