Kids are naturally curious and active, so falls and accidents are part of growing up.
Whether it’s a tumble, a bike crash, or a sports mishap, injuries can range from minor scrapes to more serious ones, like damage to the teeth or mouth.
In fact, one in three children will experience dental trauma at some point in their lives.
Knowing how to respond quickly and calmly can make a big difference, especially if a permanent tooth is knocked out.
When do dental injuries happen?
Kids are most likely to injure their teeth during two stages:
- Toddlers (ages 2–3): They’re learning to walk and explore but aren’t steady on their feet.
- Older children (ages 8–11): They’re more adventurous and active, but their permanent teeth are still growing in and more vulnerable to injury.
Common causes and prevention tips
Most injuries happen from falls, sports, car accidents, or biting hard objects. While accidents can’t always be prevented, here are some ways to reduce risks:
- For sports: Always use proper protective gear, like helmets and mouthguards, especially for activities like baseball, soccer, or skateboarding.
- Everyday safety: Encourage seat belt use and teach kids to avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or candy.
- Dental alignment: Kids with pronounced front teeth are at higher risk, so regular dental checkups can help address this.
Types of dental injuries
Dental injuries often involve chipped, cracked, or completely knocked-out teeth. A tooth has three layers: the outer enamel, the softer middle layer (dentin), and the innermost layer (pulp), which contains nerves and blood vessels.
- Minor cracks may only affect the enamel.
- Deeper fractures that reach the pulp can cause pain and may need more involved treatment, like a root canal.
A root canal removes damaged or infected pulp tissue and replaces it with a safe material. The treatment is common and can save a tooth from further damage.
What to do if a tooth is knocked out
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, act fast. The best chance to save it is to get it back into the socket within an hour.
- Handle with care: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the visible part) and avoid touching the root.
- Rinse gently: If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water—don’t scrub it.
- Reinsert if possible: Place the tooth back into the socket. Have your child bite down on gauze to hold it in place.
- Keep it moist: If reinserting isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or saline. Avoid plain water, but use it if nothing else is available.
Baby teeth vs. Permanent teeth
If a baby tooth is knocked out, don’t try to reinsert it. Baby teeth are meant to fall out naturally, so early loss may just mean a visit from the tooth fairy.
If a baby tooth is damaged but still in place, a dentist will decide the best course of action. Sometimes the tooth can be monitored, but if it affects how the child bites or closes their mouth, it may need to be removed.
When to seek medical help
Mouth injuries often look worse than they are because blood mixes with saliva. Try to stay calm and assess the situation.
- If you’re unsure about the severity of the injury, visit a dentist or an emergency room.
- If the child has lost consciousness or shows signs of head trauma, address those concerns first before focusing on the teeth.
How to prepare in advance
Before an accident happens, talk to your child’s dentist about their emergency services. Knowing who to call and what to do can reduce stress and save time when every second counts.
With the right preparation and quick action, many dental injuries can be treated successfully, ensuring your child’s smile stays healthy and bright.
If you care about gum health, please read studies about an important causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more health information, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
