Dental Trauma in Kids: When to Rush to Emergency Care

Children are naturally active, curious and full of energy, which also means they are prone to bumps, falls and unexpected accidents that are often part of growing up. While many minor injuries heal quickly, dental trauma is different. Injuries involving the teeth, gums or mouth can lead to long-term problems if not treated promptly.

As a family-focused clinic, we understand how worrying it can be when your child experiences a sudden dental injury. Knowing when to seek urgent dental care can make a significant difference in preserving their oral health, comfort and future smile.

Let’s explore the most common types of dental trauma in kids, symptoms that need immediate attention, and when you should contact an emergency dentist straight away.

Understanding Dental Trauma in Children

Dental trauma refers to any injury involving the teeth, gums, lips, or surrounding structures. Kids are particularly prone to these injuries because of sports, playground accidents, bicycle falls or collisions during play.

In a research, it was estimated that around 17.5% of children experience some form of dental trauma, with falls and sports being the most common causes.

While not every injury is an emergency, some require immediate care to prevent long-term complications such as tooth loss, infection, nerve damage or developmental problems in permanent teeth.

Common Types of Dental Trauma in Kids

1. Chipped or Fractured Teeth

Chipped teeth are common in children. Minor chips may not require urgent care, but deeper fractures exposing the inner layers of the tooth may be more serious. Fractures involving dentine or pulp have a higher likelihood of complications if not treated promptly.

2. Knocked-Out Teeth (Avulsion)

A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies for children. The sooner the tooth receives care, the higher the chance of saving it. Quick action helps protect the tooth root and surrounding tissues and reduces the risk of long-term complications.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out:

• Handle it only by the crown (the white chewing surface).
• Avoid touching or scrubbing the root.
• If possible, place it gently back into the socket.
• If this is not possible, make sure to keep the tooth moist, ideally in milk, saline, or your child’s saliva.
• Seek immediate dental care.

If you’re dealing with primary or baby teeth, it’s important not to reinsert them, as this can affect the developing permanent tooth underneath.

3. Loose or Displaced Teeth (Luxation Injuries)

Luxation injuries occur when a tooth is moved from its normal position without being completely knocked out. The tooth may be pushed forward, backward, sideways or become loose within the socket. These injuries are common in active children and may affect either baby teeth or permanent teeth.

Because these injuries can affect the tooth’s long-term stability, an urgent dental assessment is essential. Early management helps stabilise the tooth, reduces the chance of infection, and protects the developing root of the permanent tooth underneath (if a primary tooth is involved).

4. Tooth Intrusion (Tooth Pushed Into the Gum or Bone)

Intrusion is one of the most severe forms of dental trauma. It occurs when the tooth is forced upward into the gum or bone due to a strong impact. This type of injury can damage the tooth root, supporting bone and, in younger children, the developing permanent tooth underneath.

In a research study, intrusion injuries were described as particularly high-risk and were associated with complications such as pulpal necrosis, infection, developmental issues in permanent teeth, and root resorption.

Because of the severity of these injuries, immediate professional care is essential. Treatment varies depending on whether the injured tooth is a baby or permanent tooth, as well as the depth of intrusion. 

5. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries involve the lips, cheeks, tongue or gums. These injuries may occur from falls, sports accidents, biting during impact or contact with hard surfaces such as playground equipment.

These wounds can bleed significantly due to the rich blood supply in the mouth. While many minor cuts heal quickly, deeper injuries may need professional cleaning, removal of debris or sutures to ensure proper healing.

Your dentist will examine the area, clean the wound, check for tooth fragments that may be embedded in the tissue and ensure there are no injuries to underlying structures. Good home care, such as keeping the area clean and following recommended pain relief, supports healing and helps prevent infection.

Signs Your Child Needs an Emergency Dentist Appointment

Seek urgent care right away if your child has:

• A knocked-out permanent tooth
• A tooth pushed into or out of position
• Visible fractures or exposed tooth tissue
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure
• Sudden swelling of the gums, lips or face
• Moderate to severe pain
• Difficulty eating or closing their mouth
• Signs of infection (fever, swelling, pus)
• Tooth colour changes following an injury
  

If you’re unsure, calling an emergency dentist is always the safest option. Call Blue Gum Dental at 08 9316 2603 if you’re faced with a dental emergency in Brentwood, WA.

Immediate First Aid for Dental Trauma

Facing a dental emergency can cause panic, but knowing what to do when it happens gives you knowledge and confidence on how to react. Here are a few first aid tips for dental trauma:

• Stay Calm and Reassure Your Child – Remaining calm helps your child stay calm as well.
• Control Any Bleeding – Use a clean cloth or gauze and apply gentle pressure.
• Preserve the Tooth or Fragments – Place them in milk, saline or saliva. Do not rinse with harsh chemicals or scrub them.
• Seek Professional Care Promptly – Early treatment improves outcomes and reduces complications.

Protecting Your Child’s Future Smile

Dental trauma can be unsettling for both children and parents, but early assessment and timely care often make a meaningful difference to your child’s recovery. Quick action not only helps relieve discomfort but also supports healthy tooth development and reduces the likelihood of long-term complications.

If your child ever experiences a fall, knock, or injury involving their teeth or mouth, it’s always safest to seek professional guidance as soon as possible. If an emergency dentist in Brentwood is what you’re looking for, our dental team at Blue Gum Dental can provide urgent advice for your child.

Call us at 08 9316 2603 for same-day emergency appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is considered dental trauma in children?

Dental trauma refers to injuries involving a child’s teeth, gums or mouth, often caused by falls, sports accidents or collisions during play. These injuries can range from minor chips to displaced or knocked-out teeth. Some injuries require urgent care to protect developing teeth and reduce the chance of long-term complications.

2. When should I take my child to an emergency dentist?

You should seek emergency dental care if your child has a knocked-out permanent tooth, a tooth pushed into the gum, significant bleeding, swelling, severe pain or visible fractures. If you’re unsure, contacting an emergency dentist for guidance is the safest option.

3. What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?

Handle the tooth only by the crown, avoid touching the root, and keep it moist in milk, saline or your child’s saliva. If possible, gently place it back into the socket, and baby teeth should not be reinserted.

Contact an emergency dentist immediately for further care.

4. What are the signs of a serious dental injury?

Signs that may indicate a more serious injury include gum or facial swelling, a tooth that has shifted position, exposed tooth tissue, bleeding that does not stop with pressure, difficulty eating or closing the mouth, or changes in tooth colour after the injury.

5. How can dental trauma in kids be prevented?

Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard during sports, supervising young children during play and maintaining regular dental check-ups can help reduce the risk of injuries. Encouraging the safe use of bicycles, scooters, and playground equipment also supports prevention.

6. How quickly do I need to act after a dental injury?

Prompt action is important, especially for knocked-out or displaced permanent teeth. Seeking care as soon as possible supports better outcomes and helps protect the developing teeth and surrounding tissues.