Children’s Dental Emergencies in Beaverton, OR
A knocked-out tooth, a chip, a toothache, or a cut lip is scary. Here is what to do right now, and when to call us at (503) 822-0096.
Go to the ER or call 911 for any injury to the face or jaw, a possible broken jaw, loss of consciousness, vomiting after a head injury, trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling that spreads toward the eye, neck, or throat. Airway and head injuries come first.
What to do, situation by situation
| Situation | What to do right now |
|---|---|
| Baby tooth knocked out | Do not put it back. Rinse gently, press clean gauze on the spot, and call us. Have the tooth with you if you found it. |
| Permanent tooth knocked out | Handle by the crown only. Rinse briefly if dirty, replant gently if you can, or store in cold milk. Call us immediately. |
| Chipped or broken tooth | Rinse with water, apply a cold compress, save any pieces in milk, and call us. |
| Toothache | Rinse with warm water, gently floss for stuck food, and call us. Do not put aspirin on the gum. |
| Loose tooth after a bump | Keep your child from wiggling it and call us the same day. |
| Cut lip, tongue, or cheek | Clean gently, apply firm pressure with gauze, and use a cold pack. Call us, or go to the ER if bleeding does not stop or the cut is deep. |
| Swelling of face or gums | Call us right away. If swelling is spreading or breathing is affected, go to the ER or call 911. |
Knocked-out tooth: baby versus permanent
This is the one where the difference really matters.
Baby tooth: Replanting can damage the adult tooth forming beneath it, so we do not put it back. We still want to see your child to check the gum, the neighboring teeth, and the tooth that comes next.
Permanent tooth: Acting within minutes can make a real difference in whether it can be saved. The steps: hold it by the crown, avoid touching the root, place it gently back in the socket if you can, and get to us fast. If you cannot replant it, use cold milk, not tap water.
What not to do
- Do not scrub a knocked-out permanent tooth or wipe off the root.
- Do not store a tooth dry or in a tissue.
- Do not place aspirin against the gum.
- Do not push a displaced tooth back into place.
- Do not wait to see if it gets better if there is swelling, fever, or lasting pain.
Toothaches and swelling in children
A child’s toothache can come from a deep cavity, a tooth that is getting ready to fall out, food stuck between teeth, or an infection. Kids may not be able to describe it well. Clues include refusing to chew on one side, holding the cheek, waking at night, or a fever.
Swelling near a tooth is more serious because a child’s infection can move quickly. Please do not wait it out. Call us right away, and if your child seems unwell, has a fever, or has trouble with breathing or swallowing, go to the ER.
Chipped teeth and mouth cuts
Playground falls, scooter tumbles, and bike crashes are common in Beaverton and Hillsboro, especially around THPRD parks and school fields. Lips and tongues bleed a lot, even from small cuts, which can look worse than it is. Clean gently, apply steady pressure for several minutes, and use a cold pack for swelling. Cuts that are deep, gape open, or will not stop bleeding may need stitches, so head to the ER.
A chip that does not hurt is still worth a visit. A small break can expose the inner part of the tooth, and the tooth may need protection. Dr. Hsu will check both the tooth and the surrounding gum.
A simple emergency kit for your home or bag
You do not need much. A small zip bag in the glove box or sports bag can save precious minutes.
- Clean gauze pads for bleeding
- A small sealed container you can fill with cold milk for a knocked-out permanent tooth
- A cold pack or a washcloth you can wet and chill
- Our number, (503) 822-0096, saved in your phone and written on a card
- Your child’s allergy and medication list
Keeping your child calm is part of first aid. Kids take their cues from you, so a steady voice and simple instructions go a long way. Tell your child what you are doing in short, clear sentences.
What happens when you call us
- We ask a few questions. Your child’s age, what happened, and whether there is bleeding, pain, or swelling.
- We tell you what to do next. That may be coming in, home care until a visit, or going to the ER.
- Dr. Hsu examines your child. We look at teeth, gums, and often take an X-ray to see below the surface.
- We explain the plan. Options and follow-up, without pressure.
Prevention: fewer emergencies
A well-fitted sports mouthguard prevents many injuries, and regular checkups catch problems before they hurt. If a decayed baby tooth is bothering your child, a filling or crown may help. If a baby tooth is lost early, ask about a space maintainer. Adults in the family with a dental emergency can see our emergency dentist page.
For more on kids’ care, see pediatric dentistry. In an emergency, call (503) 822-0096 right away.
Questions parents (and adults) often ask
Should I put a knocked-out baby tooth back in?
No. A baby tooth should not be replanted, because it can harm the permanent tooth developing underneath. Rinse your child’s mouth gently, apply light pressure to any bleeding, and call us so Dr. Hsu can check your child.
What do I do if a permanent tooth is knocked out?
Time matters. Pick it up by the crown, not the root. If it is clean, try to place it back in the socket and have your child bite gently on gauze. If you cannot, store it in cold milk and call (503) 822-0096 immediately. Do not scrub it.
How can I tell a baby tooth from a permanent one?
Age helps. Most children begin to lose baby teeth around six, and permanent front teeth usually arrive around the same time. Permanent teeth are larger and slightly yellower. If you are not sure, treat it as permanent and call right away.
My child’s face is swollen. What should I do?
Swelling with fever, trouble swallowing, or trouble breathing needs emergency care. Go to the ER or call 911. Milder swelling from a suspected tooth infection still needs prompt attention, so call us right away.
Is a chipped tooth an emergency?
A small chip is usually not an emergency, but call us the same day. A larger chip, exposed pink or red center, or pain warrants a prompt visit. Keep any fragment in milk and bring it with you.
Can I give my child pain medicine?
Follow the label for your child’s age and weight, or ask your pediatrician or pharmacist. Avoid putting aspirin or any pain reliever against the gum, since it can burn the tissue.
Is a children’s dental emergency visit covered?
Emergency exams and treatment are commonly covered under dental plans, subject to your benefits. We accept almost all dental insurance and OHP, and we sort out billing after your child has been cared for. See our insurance and payment options page or call (503) 822-0096.
Ready to book your child’s visit?
Tell us a little about your family and we’ll reach out to find a time that works. New patients — kids, teens and adults — are welcome, and we accept almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).