Common Dental Injuries in Children and How to Handle Them

Active children are prone to dental injuries. Knowing how to respond can minimize damage and save teeth. Here's your guide to handling common situations.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

What to Do - Stay calm and comfort your child - Find and save any tooth fragments - Rinse mouth with warm water - Apply cold compress to reduce swelling - Call the dentist immediately

Treatment Depending on severity, treatment may include: - Smoothing minor chips - Bonding for small breaks - Crowns for large breaks - Root canal if pulp is exposed

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

This is a dental emergency! Quick action is critical.

Steps to Take 1. Find the tooth immediately 2. Handle only by the crown (top), never the root 3. Rinse gently if dirty (don't scrub) 4. Try to place back in socket if possible 5. If not, store in milk or saliva 6. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes

For Baby Teeth Don't reimplant baby teeth—this could damage the permanent tooth.

Loose Tooth from Injury

What to Do - Have your child bite on gauze to stabilize - Apply cold compress - Call the dentist - Avoid eating on that side

Tooth Pushed Into Gum

What to Do - Don't try to reposition it - Apply cold compress - Seek immediate dental care - X-rays will determine treatment

Preventing Dental Injuries

• Use mouthguards during sports
• Childproof your home
• Don't allow running with objects in mouth
• Supervise young children closely

When in Doubt, Call Us

If your child injures their mouth, call us. We'll advise you on next steps and see you promptly for emergencies.