Dental Injuries: First Aid Steps for Broken, Loose, or Knocked-Out Teeth

Dental injuries can happen suddenly and are common in children, teens, and adults, especially during falls, sports, playground incidents, and motor vehicle collisions. Biting down on hard foods or objects can also damage teeth.

In Canada, dental injuries are frequently seen in schools, sports programs, and workplaces, which is why first aid courses often include dental trauma awareness, even though definitive treatment must always be provided by a dentist.

Dental injuries can involve:

• Swelling and bleeding of the mouth or gums

• Loose teeth

• Cracked or broken teeth

• Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth

• Damage to the tooth root

Dental Injuries in Children: Baby Teeth vs Adult Teeth

Baby (Primary) Teeth

If a baby tooth (milk tooth) is knocked out:

• Do NOT attempt to put it back in place

• The dentist will leave the space empty until the permanent tooth erupts

• Seek dental advice if there is pain, swelling, or bleeding

Reimplanting baby teeth can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.

Adult Teeth (Including Permanent Teeth in Children)

If an adult or permanent tooth is knocked out, this is a dental emergency.

Time is critical. Teeth have the highest chance of survival if treated within 30–60 minutes.

First Aid for a Knocked-Out Adult Tooth

Step-by-Step First Aid

1. 

   Do not discard the tooth

2. Handle it only by the white crown, not the root

3. Do not scrub or clean the tooth

4. If dirty, gently rinse with:

   • Milk (preferred)

   • Saliva

   • Sterile saline
     ❌ Do not use water

5. If possible, gently place the tooth back into the socket:

   • Align carefully

   • Press gently until level with other teeth

   • Have the person bite gently on clean gauze or cloth

6. If reinsertion is not possible:

   • Store the tooth in milk immediately

   • Alternatively, place it between the cheek and gum (if safe)

   • A clean container with saliva is acceptable

7. Never store a tooth in water

8. Seek dental care immediately

If tooth fragments are present, store them in milk or saline and bring them to the dentist.

Managing Pain and Swelling

• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face

• Wrap ice in a cloth before applying

• Apply for 10–20 minutes at a time

• Ask a dentist or pharmacist before using pain medication, especially for children

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek urgent medical or dental care if:

• Bleeding cannot be controlled

• There is facial swelling or deformity

• The injury occurred with a head injury or loss of consciousness

• The person has trouble breathing or swallowing

Why Dental Injuries Matter in First Aid Training

Dental injuries are commonly addressed in Canadian first aid programs, especially for:

• Parents and caregivers

• Teachers and early childhood educators

• Coaches and athletic staff

• Construction and industrial workers

First aid training focuses on:

• Immediate injury recognition

• Bleeding control

• Tooth preservation

• Safe referral to dental or emergency services

Educational Disclaimer 

This information is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dental or medical care. First aid training teaches initial response and injury management, not dental procedures. Always seek assessment from a licensed dentist or healthcare provider.