Kids are active by nature—running, climbing, and playing hard every day. While that energy is healthy, it also means dental accidents can happen at any time. A fall at the park, a sports injury, or a sudden toothache can quickly turn into a stressful situation for parents.

Knowing how to respond during a children’s dental emergency can ease your child’s discomfort and help prevent long-term oral health problems. This guide walks parents through what qualifies as an emergency, what to do right away, and when professional care is necessary—so you can act with confidence when it matters most.

When you have a toothache, it’s easy for everything to feel off. It’s painful to chew, hard to speak, and it can even be difficult to sleep. Often, patients are quick to brush this type of discomfort off, thinking they can “live with” the pain, or that it will go away on its own. But unfortunately, unlike the rest of your body, your teeth will not get better without treatment. Here’s why you should always see your emergency dentist for any tooth pain, no matter how insignificant you think it may be.

Dental emergencies aren’t usually anticipated events, which can make them difficult to prepare for! Fortunately, dental emergency kits are simple to put together – you might even have many of the recommended tools at home.

These kits won’t replace your emergency dentist, but they can help you take care of immediate problems while you wait for your appointment. Keep reading for a list of dental items that would be good to have on-hand, “just in case.”

Encountering a dental emergency can be both stressful and uncomfortable, affecting your daily activities such as work, sleep, and eating. It’s important to determine whether you should contact your dentist or go to the emergency room to ensure you receive appropriate care. Continue reading to learn when it’s best to seek immediate dental treatment and when an emergency room visit may be necessary.