Dental Trauma in Children: First Aid Steps Every Parent Should Know

Picture this: you're enjoying a sunny day at the park when a sudden misstep results in a face-first meeting with the pavement. You sit up, stunned, to discover your front tooth lying next to you. It feels like a scene from a horror movie, yet it's a reality many people encounter.

The Anatomy of a Dental Nightmare

Dental injuries in children can range from minor chips to full avulsions (when a tooth is completely knocked out). The most common causes? Rough play, unexpected falls, sports accidents, or even a well-aimed elbow during a game. And they’re more common than you might think — studies show up to 1 in 4 school-aged children will experience dental trauma.

These injuries often involve:

• Chipped or fractured teeth

• Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth

• Dislodged or loose teeth

• Injuries to the lips, gums, or tongue

  
  

First Aid: What To Do When a Tooth Is Knocked Out

1. Check for Airway Safety First

Before anything else, check that your child hasn’t inhaled the tooth or any fragments. If you’re concerned about choking, wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing, follow the DRSABC emergency steps immediately:

• D – Danger: Check for any immediate hazards

• R – Response: Is your child alert and responsive?

• S – Send for help: Call 000 if needed

• A – Airway: Make sure it’s clear

• B – Breathing: Look, listen, and feel

• C – CPR: Begin CPR

If the tooth has chipped and left a sharp edge, you can use a clean washer or cloth and gently place it between the gum and lip to prevent further damage to the soft tissues of the mouth.

Handle the Tooth with Care

If the tooth is permanent, here’s what to do:

• Pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root.

• Rinse it gently with milk or the child's saliva if dirty — do not scrub or dry it.

• Reinsert it into the socket if your child is calm and cooperative.

• Keep the tooth moist if you can’t reinsert it — store it in milk, saline, or your child’s saliva.

• Seek urgent dental care. The quicker you act, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

If the tooth is a baby tooth, do not try to put it back in — replanting baby teeth can damage the adult tooth that’s still developing underneath.

When to Head Straight to the Emergency Department

Take your child to the ED if:

• You suspect the tooth has been inhaled or your child is showing breathing difficulties

• There’s persistent, heavy bleeding

• Your child has lost consciousness, is drowsy, or has had a head injury along with the dental trauma

• You are unable to safely reinsert the tooth and need urgent advice

Long-Term Follow Up and Emotional Support

It’s important to book a follow-up with your child’s dentist even if the injury seemed minor. Dental x-rays can rule out hidden issues like root fractures or damage to nearby teeth.

Also remember: injuries to the face can be emotionally tough on kids. They might feel self-conscious about changes to their smile or scared of the dentist. Reassurance, a calm approach, and involving them in care decisions can go a long way.

Prevention: Better Safe Than Sorry

You can’t wrap your child in bubble wrap, but these steps help reduce risk:

• Mouthguards: A must for contact and ball sports

• Routine dental visits: To check alignment and catch small issues early

• Supervision and safety-proofing: Especially around slippery floors and play areas

Final Word from The Sick Sense

Dental injuries are more common than what you think, and while they’re often distressing in the moment, they’re also very manageable with the right first aid knowledge and quick action.

At The Sick Sense, we’re not just about CPR and choking — we’re about real-life, everyday situations that catch parents off guard. That’s why we include scenarios like facial trauma, bleeding, and airway concerns in our workshops, so you feel confident and calm when the unexpected happens.

Disclaimer

This blog is intended for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or dental advice. If your child experiences a dental injury, always consult with a dentist or medical professional. In the case of a suspected airway blockage, unconsciousness, or serious injury, call emergency services immediately and follow DRSABC protocols. The Sick Sense provides educational content and first aid workshops designed to support, not substitute, clinical care.