Traumatic dental injuries can be frightening, especially when they happen to your child. If something happens, it’s critical that you stay calm and take decisive action. Most dental injuries are more effectively treated when the child is brought to his or her dentist, or possibly an endodontist as quickly as possible.
However, most people aren’t experienced with traumatic dental injuries in children, therefore, when one occurs, they’re simply not prepared. If that’s you, don’t worry: Access Endodontics offers the help you need. Review the guide below for steps to follow should your child suffer a traumatic dental injury. This will help should an unfortunate event occur.
If you’re looking for traumatic dental injury treatment for children, Access Endodontics may be able to help. Dr. Burton Waxman, Dr. Lina Jarboe, and their team of dedicated dental professionals will provide your child with compassionate care, should they need to undergo endodontic treatment to save a tooth.
Talk to your dentist or call Access Endodontics at 410.304.7226 today.
Common Dental Injuries in Children
Kids are full of energy and can be reckless, therefor dental trauma isn’t uncommon. For this reason, it’s good to be prepared if a dental injury does occur. Below are some of the most common dental injuries in children:
- Tooth avulsion (knocked-out tooth)
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Object caught in teeth
- Tooth knocked loose
- Damage to tongue, lips, or gums
How to Treat Traumatic Dental Injuries in Children
Here’s what to do in the event that your child sustains a traumatic dental injury.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is grounds for an immediate visit to the dentist, or hospital. If it’s a baby tooth, you won’t have to worry about saving it, but if it’s an adult tooth, there’s a chance it can be placed back in the socket if you act fast.
If this occurs, only touch the crown when retrieving it. Place the tooth in a container filled with milk and call your dentist right away.
Damaged Teeth
Damaged teeth are more susceptible to infection and decay. Have your child rinse with warm water, and then apply a cold compress. If you can retrieve the broken piece of tooth, store it somewhere safe. Then, call your dentist.
Something Caught in Teeth
An object stuck in your child’s teeth can cause a number of different issues. Try to remove it using dental floss only (avoid all hard or sharp tools). If you’re unsuccessful, reach out to your dentist for further instructions.
Loose Teeth
Loose baby teeth are normal, but it becomes a choking hazard once a tooth becomes loose. Remove the tooth or reach out to your dentist or endodontist for advice. Call someone right away if an adult tooth has been knocked loose from a traumatic dental injury.
Soft Tissue Damage
Injury to the gums, tongue, lips or any other soft tissue in the mouth can be painful, but oftentimes they won’t require anything more than a gentle cleaning, a cold compress, and some TLC. However, if the bleeding or the damage is significant, reach out to your dentist to assess the situation.
Broken Jaw or Blow to the Head
Once you’ve entered the realm of head injury or broken bones, you need a medical doctor rather than a dental professional. Get your child to a hospital as soon as you can.
Traumatic Dental Injury Treatment for Children from Access Endodontics
Dental injuries in children can be troubling. Sometimes the damage might not be visible but effect the inner tooth and the health of the tooth itself. Your dentist will be able to provide some guidance if this is the situation. Speak with your dentist or contact Access Endodontics by calling 410.304.7226.