Introduction

Children are often at risk of tooth injuries from:

• falls
• rough play
• accidents
• sport. 

The upper front adult teeth are especially at risk of damage as they often take the brunt of a hit or fall.

Baby teeth usually come in between six months and three years of age. From around six years old, these teeth start falling out, and by age 12, they are replaced by adult teeth.

Losing a baby tooth early from an injury is usually not a concern. Treatment focuses on managing any pain or infection. 

This factsheet explains what to do if a child injures or loses an adult tooth.

After a fall or hit to the face, check your child’s mouth for signs of dental injury, like:

• bleeding in the mouth or gums
• pain in the gums or jaw
• swelling of the face or jaw
• difficulty opening the mouth and jaw
• chips or breaks in the tooth
• a tooth completely knocked out, with the root intact.

If the tooth is chipped or cracked and sharp: 

1. find the missing piece if you can
2. have your child gently bite a damp tissue or cloth to protect their tongue.

If a tooth has been knocked out of the mouth:

1. pick it up by the top, not the root
2. if it’s dirty, gently rinse with milk, salt water, or your child’s saliva
3. try to put it back in its place, facing the right way
4. if you can’t, store it in milk or your child’s saliva
5. see a dentist or go to your nearest emergency department straight away.
6. Do not rinse the root with plain water or scrub it, as this can damage the cells that help it reattach.

Tell the dentist or doctor if you cannot find the tooth or pieces of it, as your child may have swallowed them.

The dentist or doctor will check for damage to the: 

• mouth
• gums
• nearby teeth. 

They will ask about your child’s medical history, including when they last had a tetanus vaccination.

Tetanus is a serious infection caused by bacteria. It can get into the body if the tooth is dirty.

If a tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, the dentist will try to repair it and stop further damage. They may use a small splint to hold the tooth in place as it heals.

Treatment depends on the injury and may include:

• filling – to repair and protect the tooth
• crown – a cap to cover and strengthen the tooth
• root canal – removes the tooth’s inner tissue to prevent pain or infection.

At home, help your child keep their mouth clean using warm, salty water or mouthwash if advised. The dentist will check the tooth again after about two weeks to see if the splint can be removed and whether more treatment is needed.