Children are naturally curious and active — and while that’s part of healthy development, it can also lead to accidents, including injuries to the mouth and teeth.
From falls to sports mishaps, oral injuries are among the most common childhood incidents.
At Every Smile Dentistry, we believe prevention is key — but we’re also here to help you know what to do if an accident does happen.
Common Oral Injuries in Children
Some of the most frequent types of oral injuries include:
- Chipped or Broken Teeth: Often caused by falls or biting hard objects like ice or pencils.
- Knocked-Out Teeth (Avulsion): More common in older children, especially during sports or rough play.
- Lip or Tongue Bites: May occur during a fall or while chewing; can be painful and bleed heavily.
- Tooth Displacement: Sometimes a tooth is pushed inward or outward but not fully knocked out.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts or bruises inside the cheeks, gums, or on the lips.
How to Prevent Oral Injuries in Children
1. Use Mouthguards for Sports
Children who play contact sports (like rugby, hockey, or martial arts) should wear a custom-fit mouthguard to protect their teeth and jaw.
2. Childproof Your Home
Install safety gates and corner protectors to minimise injury from falls, especially for toddlers.
3. Discourage Bad Habits
Teach children not to use their teeth as tools (e.g. opening bottles or tearing packaging) and avoid chewing on hard items.
4. Regular Dental Visits
Routine check-ups can help spot loose teeth, signs of bruxism, or weakened enamel — all of which can make injuries more likely.
5. Proper Supervision
Encourage safe play and be present during high-risk activities, especially for younger children.
What to Do If Your Child Has an Oral Injury
Chipped or Broken Tooth
- Rinse the mouth with warm water.
- If possible, collect and store the broken piece in milk or saline.
- Book an urgent dental visit — treatment may include bonding or a crown.
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
- Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root).
- Rinse gently with clean water (don’t scrub).
- Try to place the tooth back in the socket or keep it in milk.
- Visit your dentist immediately — time is critical (within 30 minutes is ideal).
Bleeding from Mouth or Gums
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, seek emergency care.
Tooth Pushed Out of Position
- Do not force it back.
- Have your child seen by a dentist as soon as possible — repositioning may be needed.
Lip or Tongue Injuries
- Clean the area with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- If the cut is deep or bleeding persists, get medical attention.
Long-Term Care After an Injury
After treating an oral injury, your child may need:
- X-rays to check for root or jaw damage
- Follow-up exams to monitor healing
- Dental restorations (like crowns or fillings)
- Orthodontic care in more severe cases
Every Smile Is Here for Life’s Little Accidents
We know accidents happen — and we’re here to make recovery as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Whether it’s prevention tips or emergency care, Every Smile Dentistry is your partner in protecting your child’s smile.
