TL;DR: The Quick Answer for Parents
- Time is Critical: If a permanent tooth is knocked out, you have a 30-minute window to act for the best chance of saving it.
- Knocked-Out Tooth First Aid: Pick up the tooth by the chewing surface (the crown), never the root. Keep the tooth moist at all times by placing it in milk or back in the socket.
- Chipped or Broken Teeth: Rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to the face to reduce swelling, and call the dentist.
- Bitten Lip or Tongue: Clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.
Getting the Call from the School Nurse
It is the phone call every parent dreads. You are at work or running errands in Omaha, and the school nurse calls to say your child has suffered a dental injury on the playground, in gym class, or during an after-school sports practice.
Panic is a natural reaction, but knowing exactly what to do next can mean the difference between a minor dental repair and a permanently lost tooth. Because children are highly active—especially as fall sports kick off at Omaha Public Schools (OPS), Westside, and Millard—dental trauma is incredibly common. Here is exactly how to handle the most frequent school-day dental emergencies.
What Do I Do If My Child’s Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out?
A knocked-out permanent tooth (avulsed tooth) is a severe dental emergency. If this happens, you must act fast. According to the American Dental Association and the American Association of Endodontists, you should follow these exact steps:
- 1. Find the Tooth Immediately: Locate the tooth and pick it up only by the crown (the chewing surface). Do not touch the root, as this can damage the delicate cells needed to reattach the tooth.
- 2. Rinse Gently: If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water. Do not use soap or chemicals, do not scrub it, and do not wrap it in a tissue or cloth.
- 3. Keep It Moist: The tooth must stay moist at all times. If possible, try placing the tooth back into its socket immediately. If that is not possible, place the tooth in cold milk or in between your child’s cheek and gums. Do not store it in regular tap water.
- 4. Beat the Clock: Get to your emergency dentist within 30 minutes of the injury for the highest chance of successfully saving the tooth.
(Note: If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not try to put it back into the socket, as this can damage the developing adult tooth underneath. Keep it moist and bring it with you to the dentist so they can evaluate the trauma.)
How Do I Handle a Chipped or Broken Tooth?
Chipped teeth are frequently caused by playground falls or rogue basketballs. While less urgent than a fully knocked-out tooth, a fracture still requires prompt professional care to prevent infection and nerve damage.
- Save the Pieces: If you can find the broken tooth fragments, save them.
- Clean the Area: Immediately rinse the child’s mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Control Swelling: Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down.
- Contact the Dentist: See your dentist as soon as possible. If the chip is minor, Dr. Bill or Dr. Pat can often use cosmetic bonding to seamlessly repair the tooth in a single visit.
What If My Child Has a Severe Toothache at School?
Not all emergencies are caused by trauma. Sometimes, a severe toothache strikes in the middle of a math test.
If your child is complaining of intense, throbbing pain, rinse their mouth with warm water to clean it out. Next, gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between their teeth. Never put aspirin directly on their aching tooth or gums, as it may burn the delicate gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact our office for a diagnostic exam to check for a cavity or infection.
Your Omaha Emergency Dentist on Speed Dial
During a dental emergency, the last thing you want to do is scramble to find a clinic that can see you on short notice.
Located at 67th and Grover, Parr Dental is centrally located in Omaha, meaning we are just a short drive from most Midtown, Aksarben, and Southwest Omaha schools. Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients. When you call our office, provide as much detail as you can about your child’s condition so our team can prepare for your arrival.
Save Our Number Today
The best way to handle a dental emergency is to be prepared before it happens.
Save our number in your phone today: (402) 556-7794 so you are ready for anything the school year throws your way. For routine checkups, Request Your Appointment Online Here.