Emergency Dental Care: What Parents Should Know When Injuries Happen at School

When a dental injury happens at school, parents need to act quickly and confidently to protect their child’s oral health. Understanding the right steps can make a critical difference, especially for young children who may need specialized care like infant dentistry in San Diego CA.

Children are naturally active, and accidents can happen during sports, recess, or even in the classroom. The most frequent dental emergencies include:

• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
• Bleeding gums or soft tissue injuries
• Loose or dislodged teeth
• Dental device issues (e.g., braces, retainers)

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Ask the school nurse or staff for details about the injury. If the injury is severe, request immediate dental care.

2. Control Bleeding and Swelling

Have your child hold an ice pack or gauze to the affected area to reduce swelling and stop bleeding.

3. Clean the Area

Rinse your child’s mouth gently with warm water to remove debris and reduce infection risk.

4. Handle Knocked-Out Teeth Properly

• Find the tooth and hold it by the crown (top), not the root.
• Rinse gently with water—do not scrub.
• If possible, place the tooth back in the socket or store it in milk or saline solution.
• Seek emergency dental care within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

5. Save Broken Tooth Fragments

Store any pieces in milk or saline and bring them to the dentist.

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe pain or swelling
• Knocked-out or severely fractured teeth
• Signs of infection (fever, facial swelling, difficulty breathing)

If your child’s dentist is unavailable and the situation is life-threatening, visit the nearest emergency room.

Young children and infants require unique care for dental emergencies. Infant dentistry in San Diego CA offers gentle, age-appropriate treatment for even the youngest patients, ensuring their comfort and safety during urgent situations.

• Encourage your child to wear mouthguards during sports.
• Teach safe play habits and discourage using teeth as tools.
• Ensure the school has an emergency dental kit and staff trained in basic dental first aid.

At Sunray Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in infant dentistry in San Diego CA, providing compassionate, expert care for children of all ages. If your child experiences a dental injury at school, contact us immediately for guidance and treatment.

Key Takeaways for Parents:

• Act quickly and calmly during dental emergencies.
• Know the steps for common injuries.
• Seek specialized pediatric dental care when needed.
• Prevent future injuries with education and preparation.

For more information or emergency appointments, reach out to Sunray Pediatric Dentistry—your trusted partner for infant dentistry in San Diego CA.