Accidents happen when we least expect them. A sudden fall can result in injuries to various parts of the body, and one of the most vulnerable areas is the mouth. Whether its slipping on ice, tripping on stairs, or a sports-related impact, trauma to the mouth can be painful, alarming, and potentially serious. At McLevin Dental Clinic, we frequently treat patients who suffer oral injuries due to falls, and knowing what to do immediately after such an incident can make a significant difference in recovery.
In this blog, well guide you through the steps to take if your mouth or teeth are hit during a fall, when to seek emergency dental care, and how to prevent complications.
Common Mouth Injuries from a Fall
When your mouth suffers an impact, the injuries can range from mild to severe. Common outcomes include:
Chipped or broken teeth
Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
Tooth looseness or displacement
Lip, tongue, or cheek lacerations
Fractured jaw or facial bones
Swelling, bleeding, or bruising
Understanding the type and severity of the injury will determine your next steps.
Immediate Steps After a Mouth Injury
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing to do is stay calm. Mouth injuries can bleed heavily, but that doesnt always indicate a severe issue. Check for:
Missing or broken teeth
Continuous bleeding
Signs of swelling or exposed nerves
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
If the injury appears to involve the jaw or face, or if there’s intense pain, seek emergency dental or medical attention immediately.
2. Control the Bleeding
Use a clean gauze or cloth to apply gentle pressure to the bleeding area. If the bleeding is from soft tissues like the gums, lips, or cheeks, a cold compress can help reduce blood flow and swelling. Avoid using tissues that break apart easily.
3. Save Any Knocked-Out Teeth or Fragments
If a tooth is knocked out (avulsed), handle it by the crown (top part), not the root. Rinse it gently with clean waterdo not scrub. If possible, try to place the tooth back into its socket and hold it there. If thats not feasible, store it in:
A cup of milk
Saline solution
The injured persons saliva
Act fastthe first hour after a tooth is knocked out is critical for successful reimplantation. Call McLevin Dental Clinic right away for emergency dental care in Scarborough.
4. Rinse with Salt Water
If there are minor cuts or soft tissue injuries but no broken teeth, rinsing the mouth gently with warm salt water can help disinfect the area and reduce swelling. This is a temporary solution until professional treatment is available.
5. Apply a Cold Compress
For swelling or bruising, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek. Use a cloth-wrapped ice pack and hold it in place for 1015 minutes at a time. This helps control inflammation, pain, and potential tissue damage.
6. Avoid Eating or Drinking Hot Foods
Until youve been examined, avoid eating solid foods, drinking hot beverages, or chewing with the injured area. This minimizes further irritation and prevents worsening of hidden injuries.
When to Visit an Emergency Dentist
You should visit McLevin Dental Clinics emergency dental services right away if:
A tooth is knocked out, loose, or cracked
There is persistent bleeding that wont stop within 10 minutes
You feel pain when biting down or moving your jaw
You notice swelling or signs of infection
Your bite feels off or your jaw is misaligned
There’s numbness in the face, gums, or lips
Delaying treatment could lead to tooth loss, infection, or long-term oral complications.
Hidden Issues After a Mouth Injury
Even if the injury looks minor, hidden issues can develop if not properly addressed. These may include:
Internal tooth fractures not visible externally
Damage to the tooth root or nerve
Hairline fractures in the jawbone
Tooth discoloration from trauma
Soft tissue infections if wounds aren’t cleaned
At McLevin Dental, we use digital X-rays and thorough evaluations to detect these problems early and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Treatments for Trauma-Related Dental Injuries
Depending on the type of trauma, treatment options include:
Dental bonding or veneers for chipped teeth
Root canal therapy for damaged tooth pulp
Tooth splinting to stabilize loose teeth
Tooth reimplantation or replacement for avulsed teeth
Oral surgery in cases of jaw or bone fractures
Stitches or sutures for deep lacerations
We provide comprehensive restorative and emergency dentistry at McLevin Dental Clinic, serving patients throughout Scarborough and nearby communities.
How to Prevent Oral Injuries from Falls
While accidents cant always be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of serious dental trauma:
Wear a custom mouthguard during contact sports
Use handrails and be cautious on stairs and slippery surfaces
Keep floors clear of clutter to avoid tripping hazards
Ensure proper lighting in your home and outdoor walkways
Get regular dental checkups to ensure teeth and gums are strong
Protecting your smile starts with good habits and smart precautions.
Final Thoughts
A fall that injures your mouth should never be taken lightly. From minor chips to knocked-out teeth, quick thinking and immediate action can prevent long-term damage. Use the tips above to manage dental trauma safely, and contact McLevin Dental Clinic for expert evaluation and care.