Dental trauma refers to trauma (injury) to the teeth and/or periodontium (gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone), and nearby soft tissues such as the lips, tongue, etc. The study of dental trauma is known as dental traumatology.
Soft tissues injuries are shown commonly in association with dental trauma. Areas generally affected are lips, buccal mucosa, gingivae, frenum and tongue. The most general injuries are lips and gingivae. For lips, important to rule out shown of foreign objects in wounds and lacerations through careful examination. A radiograph can be given to identify any potential foreign objects.