In children, these accidents are more frequent than many expect.
Everyday falls, playground incidents, school accidents, and sports-related injuries are among the leading causes.
Why it matters
In pediatric patients, dental trauma is not just about immediate pain or aesthetics—it may also compromise the normal development of permanent teeth.
Early and correct management is essential to prevent long-term complications such as malocclusion, pulp necrosis, or damage to the permanent successor.
Most common dental trauma injuries in children
★ Tooth fractures – involving the crown and/or root.
★ Luxations – displacement of the tooth from its normal position.
★ Avulsions – complete loss of the tooth due to trauma.
★ Alveolar fractures – fracture of the supporting bone around the teeth.
What to do in case of dental trauma
1. Stay calm and assess the injury.
2. If a permanent tooth is avulsed, keep it in milk or saline solution and visit a dentist immediately (preferably within 60 minutes).
3. Avoid touching the root and do not reimplant primary teeth.
4. Seek professional dental care for a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation.
Prevention strategies
★ Use of mouthguards during sports and recreational activities.
★ Adequate supervision during playtime and school activities.
★ Promoting safe habits at home and school to minimize accidents.
Dental and alveolar trauma in children must always be considered an emergency condition.
Close collaboration between parents and dental professionals ensures optimal management, reducing long-term consequences while preserving both function and esthetics in young patients.
📚 Scientific References
- Bourguignon, C. et al. (2020). International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines for the management of traumatic dental injuries: 1. Fractures and luxations. Dental Traumatology, 36(4), 314–330.
- Day, P. et al. (2021). Interventions for treating traumatized permanent front teeth: avulsed (knocked out) and replanted. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 8.
