Easter has been and gone, leaving behind memories of egg hunts and chocolate bunnies. Far be it from us to spoil the fun, but all that extra sugar can really make a dent in children’s oral health, and it's often teachers and school staff who end up dealing with pupils complaining of toothaches during the school day.
At the beginning of last month, we discussed dental discomfort in school and explored the two major causes of toothaches in children: tooth decay and gum disease.
Today, we’re expanding that discussion to cover chipped teeth and dental abscesses, two common dental emergencies that can escalate quickly if left untreated.
While cavities and gingivitis can usually be resolved with a visit to the dentist and a change in oral care habits, leaving toothaches untreated for too long can lead to serious dental emergencies, such as dental abscesses.
A dental abscess is a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums caused by a bacterial infection inside the tooth, gum, or surrounding bone. It most often develops from severe tooth decay, untreated cavities, and gum disease.
Unlike minor toothaches, dental abscesses will not resolve on their own and need urgent treatment from a dentist. If left untreated, a dental abscess can spread infection beyond the tooth, potentially affecting the jaw, sinuses, or even general health – and cause serious health complications.
Schools are not expected to diagnose, treat, or resolve dental problems. However, if you suspect a pupil is suffering from a dental abscess, notify parents promptly and follow your school’s safeguarding and medical procedures. Parents depend on schools to pass on concerns. Early intervention can prevent complications and reduce discomfort for the child.
Below is some advice on how you and your colleagues can discuss oral health concerns with pupils' parents and carers:
✅ Avoid implying blame around brushing habits. Families may be managing multiple pressures, and some children find oral hygiene challenging for sensory, developmental, or orthodontic reasons.
✅ Signpost families to trusted information on the NHS website, which explains when to seek advice.
✅ Use neutral, supportive language and stick to the facts. For example: “We’ve noticed some bleeding, and they’ve complained of a bad taste in their mouth.”
✅ If parents report that their child has been suffering from a toothache, take concerns seriously and keep communication open.
It’s rather common for children and young people to chip or break a tooth due to slips, falls, or accidents during play, early walking stages, or while taking part in sports and other physical activities. While most instances of cracked or broken teeth are not serious, a dental check-up is necessary to ensure no underlying damage has occurred.
A knocked-out or chipped tooth can sometimes be preserved by placing it in milk, a damp cloth, or gauze before seeing a dentist.
Even if a broken, chipped, or knocked-out tooth seems minor, some injuries can expose the sensitive inner layer (the pulp). A broken tooth becomes a dental emergency if it causes severe pain, significant bleeding, or exposes the nerve, and early assessment can prevent long-term problems.
Schools play a critical supportive role in dental emergencies, even though staff are not expected to provide treatment.
In cases of emergencies, schools should have protocols in place to handle situations such as toothaches, broken teeth, or injuries to the mouth.
It is important for schools to have contact information for local dentists or emergency dental services readily available for students in need of immediate care.
Stay calm and reassure: a calm presence helps pupils feel safe and cooperate.
Schools can also play a proactive role in preventing dental problems:
🪥 Reinforce twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste
🪥 Promote reduced sugary snacks and drinks
🪥 Support oral health education in lessons and assemblies
🪥 Encourage pupils with braces or dental appliances to take extra care with cleaning
🪥 Organising a supervised toothbrushing programme to promote healthy oral hygiene habits