In this post, we’ll cover the five most common dental accidents in kids and what you can do to respond quickly and effectively.

1. Chipped or Broken Teeth

A chipped tooth is one of the most frequent accidents in children. It can happen from a fall, bumping into furniture, or even biting into something hard.

What to Do:

• Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.

• If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth.

• Save any tooth fragments if possible and place them in milk.

• Call your kids dentist in Sedona, AZ immediately for an evaluation.

  
  

2. Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Teeth

This is a true dental emergency. Whether it’s from a sports accident or a hard fall, a knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate action.

What to Do:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (never the root).

• Rinse it gently with water—do not scrub.

• If possible, place the tooth back in its socket and have your child bite down softly.

• If not, store the tooth in milk or saliva and head straight to your pediatric dentist.

  
  

3. Lip or Tongue Bites

It’s common for kids to accidentally bite their lips or tongue, especially during sports or rough play.

What to Do:

• Clean the area gently with water.

• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

• If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of gentle pressure, call your dentist or pediatrician.

  
  

4. Tooth Displacement (Loosened Teeth)

Sometimes an impact won’t knock a tooth out but will make it loose or push it out of position.

What to Do:

• Do not try to force the tooth back in place.

• Offer soft foods and avoid biting on the affected tooth.

• Schedule an urgent visit to your pediatric dentist to assess stability.

  
  

5. Objects Stuck Between Teeth

Children are curious, and sometimes small objects like pieces of food or even toys can get lodged between teeth.

What to Do:

• Gently try to remove the object with dental floss—never use sharp tools.

• If it doesn’t come out easily, avoid forcing it.

• Contact your dentist for safe removal.

  
  

How to Prevent Dental Accidents

While accidents happen, you can minimize the risk:

• Use Mouthguards during sports and active play.

• Supervise Outdoor Activities when possible.

• Avoid Hard Snacks like ice or hard candy that can crack teeth.

• Schedule Regular Dental Checkups with a trusted pediatric dentist.

  
  

Expert Kids Dentistry in Sedona, AZ

At Molar Opposites Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here for both preventive care and emergencies. Our goal is to keep every child’s smile healthy, even when life gets a little unpredictable.

If your child experiences a dental accident, call us right away for expert care in Sedona, AZ.