Dental injuries among children are not uncommon. From first steps to the teenage years, kids are exposed to many situations that can lead to blows, falls, or injuries to the mouth. Dental trauma can be frightening for both the child and the parent—especially when it involves bleeding, pain, or damage to permanent teeth. Although many injuries may seem harmless at first glance, improper or delayed action can leave long-term consequences for tooth development and surrounding tissues.
In this article, we cover everything parents need to know about dental trauma in children—from the most common types of injuries and the urgent steps to take, to prevention tips and the importance of regular dental check-ups. The goal is to provide clarity, calm, and knowledge in situations when every minute matters.
The most common causes of dental trauma in children
Dental injuries in children are often linked to everyday activities—playing, learning to walk, sports, and even simple falls at home.
Some of the most common causes include:
• Falls while learning to walk—most common between ages 1 and 3
• Falls from a bicycle, scooter, or rollerblades
• Blows during sports (football/soccer, basketball, combat sports)
• Collisions during play with other children
• Chewing hard objects or foods
• Physical violence (unfortunately, sometimes among peers)
It’s important to note that both baby (primary) and permanent teeth can be affected, and the treatment approach differs depending on the child’s age and the stage of tooth development.
Types of dental trauma: how to recognise them?
Understanding the basic forms of dental trauma helps parents quickly assess severity and seek appropriate help. Some injuries are visible and obvious, while others are less noticeable yet equally serious.
1. Chipped (fractured) tooth
One of the most common traumas is when part of the tooth breaks off. It can be superficial (limited to enamel) or deeper (into dentin or even the pulp).
Symptoms:
• A visible broken fragment
• Sensitivity to cold/heat
• Pain when biting
What to do: Keep the broken fragment in sterile saline or milk, and see a dentist immediately.
2. Completely knocked-out tooth (avulsion)
The tooth is entirely displaced from its socket. This is an emergency, especially if it’s a permanent tooth.
If it’s a permanent tooth:
• Find the tooth and hold it by the crown (not the root)
• Rinse briefly under a gentle stream of water without scrubbing
• If possible, gently place it back into the socket
• If not, store it in milk or sterile saline
• Seek dental care immediately—ideally within 30 minutes
Baby teeth: Do NOT reinsert a baby tooth—it can damage the developing permanent tooth bud.
3. Displaced tooth (luxation or intrusion)
The tooth is displaced from its socket—partially or completely pushed into the jaw—or shifted sideways.
Symptoms:
• The tooth looks shorter or longer than usual
• Discomfort when closing the mouth
• Gum bleeding
What to do: Do not attempt to reposition the tooth yourself. See a pediatric dentist (pedodontist) or specialist as soon as possible.
4. Root crack or fracture
It may not be visible to the naked eye, but it can cause pain, sensitivity, and inflammation. Diagnosis requires an X-ray.
Bleeding and injuries of the gums and soft tissues
Dental trauma often includes damage to soft tissues—lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums. These injuries can look alarming due to bleeding, but they are not always severe.
What to do:
• Gently rinse the mouth with cold water
• Apply a cold compress to the injured area
• If the wound bleeds for more than 10 minutes, see a dentist or go to urgent care
If the gums are severely injured, especially near the tooth root area, a dental exam is needed to rule out deeper injuries.
The difference between injuries to baby’s and permanent teeth
A key aspect of pediatric dental trauma is distinguishing between injuries to baby and permanent teeth. Treatment decisions depend on the child’s developmental stage.
Baby teeth
• Trauma most often occurs between ages 1 and 3—when children learn to walk.
• Although temporary, baby teeth are crucial—they maintain space for permanent teeth, aid speech development, and enable proper chewing.
• Because the roots of baby teeth are close to the developing permanent tooth buds, improper treatment can affect permanent tooth development—causing discolouration, enamel defects, or eruption irregularities.
Permanent teeth
• Trauma to a permanent tooth in childhood can have long-term consequences if not treated properly.
• For an incompletely developed permanent tooth (open apex), treatment aims include preserving vitality and promoting continued root development.
• Rapid action is essential—especially for avulsed teeth, where reimplantation may be possible.
Diagnostics and dental examination
After dental trauma—whether or not visible damage is present—a thorough dental examination is important. Assessment commonly includes:
• Clinical exam – visual assessment of teeth, soft tissues, bite, and symmetry
• Radiographs – panoramic and/or periapical X-rays to evaluate roots, development of permanent teeth, and possible fractures
• Pulp vitality testing – response to thermal stimuli, especially in permanent teeth
• Follow-up – some injuries require re-evaluation after a week and then at longer intervals (3, 6, and 12 months)
Treatment of dental trauma: what can parents expect?
The treatment plan depends on the type and severity of injury and whether a baby or permanent tooth is involved. Common options include:
Polishing or restoration of the tooth
Minor fractures may be managed by polishing or rebuilding with composite material.
Endodontic therapy (root canal treatment)
For permanent teeth with pulp involvement, treatment includes cleaning and filling the canals. Baby teeth follow a different, gentler protocol.
Reimplantation
If a knocked-out permanent tooth is returned to its socket quickly and correctly, continued development and function may be possible. Acting within 30 minutes is critical.
Immobilisation (splinting)
Displaced teeth are often stabilised with a thin wire splint bonded to adjacent teeth—temporarily, until healing occurs.
Tooth extraction
If a baby tooth is severely damaged and poses a risk to the developing permanent tooth, the dentist may recommend removal.
The psychological aspect of trauma: how to help your child?
Dental trauma isn’t only a physical problem—it often leaves a psychological mark. Fear, shock, and discomfort can last for days, especially in children who fear dentists or pain.
Tips for parents:
• Stay calm—parental panic transfers to the child
• Use a soothing tone and avoid showing worry in front of the child
• Explain what’s happening in simple, reassuring words
• Choose a dentist experienced with children (pedodontist)
• After the injury, monitor behaviour changes—avoiding food, fear of brushing, sadness
Complications and long-term consequences
If trauma is improperly treated or ignored, consequences can be serious and long-lasting:
• Tooth discolouration (e.g., dark grey shade)
• Pulp necrosis and cyst formation
• Tooth loss
• Damage to the permanent tooth bud (enamel hypoplasia, altered eruption path)
• Aesthetic and functional problems affecting dental arch development
Ongoing monitoring over time is essential—not only immediately after injury but also in the following months.
Preventing dental trauma: what can parents do?
Prevention is the best way to avoid injuries. Key measures include:
• Protective helmets and mouthguards – for contact or high-impact sports (football/soccer, basketball, hockey, combat sports)
• A safe home environment – safety gates, soft surfaces, avoiding toys with sharp edges
• Child education – teach kids not to put objects in their mouths, not to bite hard items, and to be careful during play
• Regular dental check-ups – early detection of loose teeth or irregularities that may increase injury risk
Quick action makes the difference
Dental trauma in children can look frightening, but with timely and professional intervention, most complications can be avoided. It’s crucial to recognise the type of injury, act quickly, and ensure a dental assessment. In many cases, proper care allows a child to maintain healthy teeth without long-term consequences.
If trauma occurs, don’t wait—consult a pedodontist or a dental trauma specialist. The Esthea team is at your disposal for assessment, counselling, and treatment in a safe, child-friendly environment.