Tooth injuries caused by falls are commonespecially in children, athletes, and the elderly. Slipping on a wet floor, tripping over an object, or falling off a bike can lead to chipped teeth, dislodged teeth, gum injuries, or even tooth loss. Quick and proper first aid can prevent permanent damage, reduce pain, and improve the outcome of dental treatment.
This blog explains how to handle dental trauma after a fall, the signs of serious injury, and when to seek emergency dental care from trusted providers like McLevin Dental Clinic in Scarborough.
Types of Tooth Injuries from Falls
A fall can result in several types of dental trauma, including:
Chipped or fractured tooth: A small piece of enamel may break off, or the damage may reach deeper layers like dentin or pulp.
Dislodged (luxated) tooth: The tooth is loosened, pushed in (intruded), or out (extruded) of its normal position.
Avulsed (knocked-out) tooth: The tooth is completely ejected from its socket.
Cracked root: The damage occurs below the gum line, often invisible without imaging.
Gum or soft tissue injuries: Cuts, punctures, or bruises to lips, tongue, and gums.
Jaw impact: May lead to swelling, jaw misalignment, or even fractures.
First Aid Steps After a Tooth Injury from a Fall
1. Stay Calm and Assess for Other Injuries
Start by checking for signs of head injury, bleeding, or unconsciousness. If the fall was serious or there are signs of a concussion (dizziness, confusion, vomiting), seek immediate medical attention before addressing the dental injury.
2. Rinse the Mouth
Use warm water to gently rinse the mouth. This clears away blood, debris, or broken tooth fragments, and helps you assess the extent of the injury.
3. Control Bleeding
Apply clean gauze or a soft cloth to any bleeding areas and apply gentle pressure for 1015 minutes. If the bleeding doesnt stop or the cut is deep, head to a dental clinic or emergency room.
4. Handle Knocked-Out Teeth Correctly
If a permanent tooth is knocked out:
Pick it up by the crown (top), not the root.
Rinse it briefly with waterdo not scrub or remove attached tissue.
Attempt to reinsert the tooth gently into its socket.
If reinsertion isnt possible, store the tooth in cold milk, saliva, or saline solution.
Seek emergency dental care within 3060 minutes for best reimplantation success.
Note: Baby teeth should not be reinsertedcontact your dentist to evaluate next steps.
5. Manage Pain and Swelling
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek near the injury to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help control pain. Avoid aspirin in children under 16.
6. Protect Broken or Loose Teeth
If a tooth is cracked or partially dislodged, avoid touching or wiggling it. Cover sharp edges with orthodontic wax or sugarless gum to protect your tongue or cheek from irritation. Do not chew on the injured side of the mouth.
What Not to Do
Dont use glue or adhesives to reattach broken pieces.
Dont delay professional care, especially for knocked-out or loose teeth.
Dont ignore jaw pain or bite changes, which may indicate fractures.
Dont scrub avulsed teeth or remove tissue fragmentsthese can help in reattachment.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
Contact McLevin Dental Clinic immediately if you notice:
A tooth has been knocked out or visibly shifted
There is intense, persistent pain
Bleeding doesnt stop within 15 minutes
Visible damage to the gums, lips, or cheeks
Loose teeth, even without pain
Difficulty opening the mouth, speaking, or chewing
Facial swelling or signs of infection (fever, pus, or heat around the injury)
Fast professional intervention can often save a damaged or dislodged tooth and prevent further complications.
How Dentists Treat Fall-Related Tooth Injuries
At McLevin Dental Clinic, treatment depends on the injury:
Chipped teeth: Smoothed or repaired with dental bonding or crowns.
Fractured teeth: Treated with fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy if the pulp is involved.
Knocked-out teeth: Attempted reimplantation and stabilization with a dental splint.
Loose or displaced teeth: Repositioned and splinted for healing.
Soft tissue damage: Cleaned, disinfected, and sutured if necessary.
Jaw trauma: Evaluated with imaging; referred to oral surgery if a fracture is detected.
Follow-Up and Recovery
Even if the tooth appears stable, follow-up visits are important to:
Monitor healing of ligaments, roots, and surrounding bone
Assess nerve vitality in affected teeth
Identify delayed complications like pulp necrosis or root resorption
Recovery may take several weeks, and in some cases, long-term dental monitoring is necessary.
Prevention Tips
While falls cant always be avoided, some precautions can reduce dental risks:
Use mouthguards during sports or high-risk activities
Install safety rails or anti-slip mats in homes for children and seniors
Supervise young children in play environments with hard surfaces
Treat bruxism or clenching with a custom nightguard
Maintain regular dental checkups to identify vulnerable areas or loose restorations
Conclusion
Tooth injuries caused by falls can range from minor chips to serious dislodgment or nerve damage. Knowing how to manage the situation immediatelythrough rinsing, preserving knocked-out teeth, controlling swelling, and avoiding further stress to the injured areacan greatly improve recovery outcomes.