Kids are always energetic, curious, and do not always be cautious about their activities, which means dental injuries can happen in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s a fall off a bike, a stray ball during sports, or a bump on the playground, accidents involving your child’s teeth are more common than you might think.
At Utica Dental of Tulsa, we want parents to be prepared for any dental emergencies involving their child. Along with parents, we are also prepared with our dental emergency services to give your child the immediate care they need.
Here, we’ll share some of the common dental injuries in children, what steps to take right away, and how to help prevent these injuries before they happen.
Most Common Dental Injuries in Children
Chipped or Broken Tooth
This is one of the most frequent dental injuries in kids. It often happens during sports, rough play, or even just biting into something hard like ice or candy. A chipped tooth might not always hurt, but it can have sharp edges that irritate the tongue or cheek and larger breaks can expose the nerve and cause pain.
Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsion)
If your child’s permanent tooth is completely knocked out, act immediately. Acting fast can sometimes save the tooth. If it’s a baby tooth, it typically won’t be reinserted but a dentist should still examine the area to avoid any infection.
Loose or Dislodged Tooth
A tooth that’s been pushed out of place or is noticeably loose after an accident may be at risk of falling out or becoming infected. This is especially important if it’s a permanent tooth or if there’s bleeding from the gums.
Toothache or Sudden Pain
Sometimes a dental issue isn’t visible, but your child may complain of tooth pain or sensitivity. This could be caused by a cavity, or food stuck between teeth. While not always an emergency, you shouldn’t ignore it.
Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek
Kids often bite themselves while eating or if they fall with their mouth open. This causes serious injury to the lips or tongue and they can bleed heavily and feel very uncomfortable.
What Steps Should You Take If Your Kid Gets a Dental Injury
Stay Calm and Comfort Your Child
Your child will likely be scared, and you can help ease their anxiety. Comfort them, assess the injury, and take the following steps based on what happened.
Immediate Actions for Specific Injuries
- Chipped Tooth
Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water. If you have the tooth fragment, save it in milk or a clean container. Try to give cold compress on the broken area to reduce swelling and see a dentist as soon as possible.
- Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Pick the tooth up by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it with water (don’t scrub), and try to reinsert it in the socket if your child can tolerate it. If that’s not possible, place it in a container of milk or saline. Call your dentist immediately.
- Loose Tooth
Tell your child not to touch or wiggle the tooth if it feels loose. Avoid eating on that side of the mouth. Contact your dentist promptly for an exam.
- Toothache
Try to help your child rinse the mouth with warm salt water and gently floss the area to check if foods are trapped. Don’t apply aspirin directly to the gums. If the pain persists, schedule a dental visit.
- Soft Tissue Injuries
Rinse the area with clean water, apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding, and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, seek medical attention.
How Can You Protect Your Kids From Having Dental Injuries
While you can’t prevent every fall or accident, there are a few things you can do to lower the risk of dental injury:
- Use Mouthguards
If your child plays contact sports like football, basketball, or even skateboards regularly, a custom mouthguard is one of the best ways to protect their teeth.
- Childproof Your Home
Cover sharp furniture corners, use non-slip mats, and be cautious with toddlers around hard flooring or stairs.
- Teach Safe Habits
Remind your child not to chew on pencils, ice, or hard candy. These habits may seem harmless but can lead to chipped or cracked teeth over time.
- Visit the Dentist Regularly
Routine dental checkups help us identify any weak spots, alignment issues, or areas of concern that might make your child more vulnerable to injury.
For Emergency Dental Care – Give Us a Call
Dental injuries can happen anytime but you don’t have to handle them alone. At Utica Dental of Tulsa, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from urgent care to follow-up treatment.
If your child experiences a dental emergency, call us at 918.673.2601 and we’ll make sure they’re seen promptly and treated with care.
