Children are energetic explorers, which means bumps and falls are often part of the territory. But when playtime leads to a dental injury, parents need to know what to do next. If your child says their mouth hurts after a fall or you spot something like a chipped tooth, it’s helpful to know what kind of injury it might be and when it’s time to call the dentist.
This guide lists the most common dental injuries in kids and explains how to treat each one.
1. Chipped Tooth
What it is: A small portion of the tooth enamel breaks off, often from a fall or biting into something hard.
At-home care: If your child has a chipped tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Professional care: Visit your dentist as soon as possible. Depending on how bad the damage is, treatment may involve smoothing the edge, using tooth-colored resin, or adding a crown.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
What it is: The injury displaces the entire tooth, including the root, from the socket.
At-home care: For baby teeth, do not try to reinsert the tooth—this could harm the permanent teeth developing underneath. If a permanent tooth comes out, gently rinse it and try to put it back in the socket. If you can’t, place it in milk and go to the dentist right away.
Professional care: A prompt visit to the dentist is crucial. Dentists can often reimplant permanent teeth if they treat the injury within an hour.
3. Tooth Displacement (Luxation)
What it is: The impact pushes the tooth forward, backward, or into the gum, but it stays in the socket.
At-home care: Apply a cold compress and avoid touching or wiggling the tooth.
Professional care: Your dentist will reposition the tooth and may stabilize it with a splint. The dentist often provides follow-up care to ensure the tooth heals properly.
4. Cracked Tooth
What it is: A fracture that may run through the enamel and deeper layers of the tooth.
At-home care: Rinse the mouth with warm water and avoid chewing on the injured side. If your mouth hurts, apply a cold compress and offer pain relief if needed.
Professional care: The dentist will take X-rays and recommend a solution depending on the depth of the crack—this may include bonding, a crown, or, in some cases, a root canal.
5. Tooth Intrusion
What it is: Blunt force trauma usually drives the tooth into the jawbone.
At-home care: Do not attempt to reposition the tooth. Apply a cold compress and head to the dentist right away.
Professional care: The dentist will check if the tooth is stable and might let it move back on its own or step in if there’s damage to the root or adult teeth.
6. Soft Tissue Injuries (Lips, Gums, Tongue)
What it is: Cuts or punctures from falls or biting.
At-home care: Clean the area gently with warm water, apply a cold compress, and use gauze to stop any bleeding.
Professional care: If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10–15 minutes or the cut is deep, seek dental or emergency care.
7. Tooth Sensitivity After Injury
What it is: Lingering sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure, possibly from a minor injury or hidden damage.
At-home care: Avoid temperature extremes in food and drinks. Monitor the area closely.
Professional care: A dental exam may reveal micro-fractures or pulp damage that requires further treatment.
When to Call the Dentist
If your child says their mouth hurts after getting hurt, don’t ignore it—small dental injuries can turn into bigger problems if not treated. Call your pediatric dentist right away if:
- There is visible damage to a tooth
- Your child has swelling or severe pain
- The injury involves a permanent tooth
- Bleeding won’t stop after 15 minutes
Protect Their Smile with Prompt Care
Dental injuries can be stressful for both kids and parents, but knowing how to respond makes a difference. Whether it’s a chipped tooth or a more serious dental injury, quick action and a visit to your family-friendly dentist can help restore comfort and protect your child’s smile for years to come.
Need help after a dental emergency? Give our office a call today to book a prompt visit with our caring pediatric team.
