Winter in Interior Alaska means hockey rinks, ski slopes, snowmachine trails, and icy sidewalks. It also means a seasonal rise in dental and facial injuries. A knocked out tooth or a jaw injury is frightening, but what happens in the first few minutes can make a real difference in the outcome. Knowing the basics ahead of time helps you stay calm and act quickly.

This guide covers the most common winter dental injuries, what to do right away, and when to see an oral surgeon.

Common Winter Dental and Facial Injuries

The injuries we see most often during the Fairbanks winter include:

  • – Knocked out (avulsed) teeth from pucks, sticks, falls, and collisions
  • – Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth
  • – Teeth pushed out of position or loosened in the socket
  • – Cuts to the lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue
  • – Fractures of the jaw or facial bones
  • – Injuries from slips on ice, which are surprisingly common in parking lots and driveways

Some injuries look minor but involve hidden damage to roots or bone, which is why an exam matters even when the pain seems manageable.

Cold weather adds its own twist. Numb cheeks and lips can mask pain at first, and a tooth that feels only slightly sore at the rink can turn into a serious problem overnight. When in doubt, treat any blow to the mouth as worth a phone call, even if everything looks fine from the outside.

First Aid for a Knocked Out Tooth

A permanent tooth that is knocked out completely is a true emergency. The best chance of saving it is within the first 30 to 60 minutes. Follow these steps:

  • – Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white chewing part), never by the root.
  • – If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or saline. Do not scrub it, and do not use soap.
  • – If possible, gently place the tooth back into the socket and have the person bite softly on gauze to hold it.
  • – If replanting is not possible, store the tooth in milk, saline, or inside the cheek. Never let it dry out, and avoid plain water for storage.
  • – Get to a dentist or oral surgeon immediately. Call ahead so the team can prepare.

Baby teeth should not be replanted, but the child should still be seen promptly to check for other damage.

For chipped or fractured teeth, save any broken pieces in milk or saline and bring them along. Rinse the mouth gently with warm water, and use a cold compress on the face for swelling. Avoid chewing on the injured side, and skip very hot or very cold drinks, which can trigger sharp pain in a cracked tooth.

What to Do for a Suspected Jaw or Facial Injury

If there is significant swelling, bleeding that will not stop, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a jaw that does not close normally, or any loss of consciousness, treat it as an emergency and seek immediate medical care. While waiting for help:

  • – Keep the person still and calm, with the head elevated.
  • – Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to limit swelling.
  • – Control bleeding with gentle pressure from clean gauze or cloth.
  • – Do not give food or drink if surgery may be needed.

Head and neck injuries should always be evaluated in an emergency setting first. Once a patient is stable, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon handles the repair of the teeth, jaw, and facial structures.

How an Oral Surgeon Treats Facial Trauma

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specifically trained to treat injuries of the mouth, jaw, and face. Depending on the injury, treatment can include repositioning and stabilizing teeth, repairing jaw fractures, and carefully closing soft tissue wounds in a way that protects both function and appearance. Our practice provides experienced care for facial trauma, and we work closely with referring dentists and emergency departments across the Interior to coordinate treatment.

Even injuries that seem small, like a slightly loose tooth, deserve an evaluation. Damage to the root or surrounding bone may not be visible, and early treatment often prevents bigger problems later.

Preventing Injuries This Winter

A few simple habits dramatically reduce the risk:

  • – Wear a properly fitted mouthguard for hockey, skiing, snowboarding, and any contact sport. Custom guards offer the best fit and protection.
  • – Use helmets with face protection where appropriate, including for snowmachining.
  • – Watch for ice on steps, walkways, and parking areas, and wear footwear with good traction.
  • – Keep our office number handy so you know who to call if an injury happens.

If you or your child experiences a dental or facial injury this winter, do not wait to see if it gets better on its own. Contact Alaska Oral & Facial Surgery in Fairbanks to arrange an evaluation. Prompt care gives injured teeth and jaws the best chance to heal well.