Children love to be active whether it’s sports or various physical activities. While an active lifestyle is good for their overall development, it also increases their susceptibility to dental trauma. Teeth trauma in children can cause tooth damage, known as dental trauma where teeth can loosen, fall out, or break. When dental trauma occurs, the time between the accident and receiving medical assistance is essential. It is critical to find a children’s dentist and understand the procedures to follow when these situations occur. Here are some tips to follow:
1 – Assess the Situation
The first thing you should do if your child has dental trauma is assess the extent of the damage. Examine them for bleeding, loose teeth, and injury to the gums or surrounding tissues. Depending on the extent of the damage, your child may need emergency dental care. If the bleeding does not stop, the tooth is knocked out, or their jaw is dislocated see an emergency dentist as soon as you can.
2 – Reduce Swelling
Teeth trauma can often cause swelling or pain. By reducing the swelling, your child can be a bit relieved and feel more at ease. Additionally, swelling can make it difficult for the area to heal, by reducing the swelling you reduce the chances or infections or further complications.
3 – Visit Your Dentist
In the case of severe teeth trauma in a child it’s important to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the severity, the dentist may be able to save the tooth, prevent further damages or reduce pain and swelling. Describe the nature of the injury to your dentist and they will provide effective treatment options. Dentist at Underwood specialises in children and emergency dentistry, providing personalised treatment plans and care to kids of all ages. If you live in Logan or surrounding suburbs, our practice can assist you with all your dental care needs.
What To Do with Broken or Chipped Teeth?
Children’s dental crises can occasionally result in a chipped or knocked-out tooth. Use a cold compress and warm water to rinse your child’s mouth to reduce swelling. Bring any broken parts to your emergency dentist and try to salvage them. The dentist will assess the damage and suggest the best course of treatment, which may include root canal treatments, bonding, or a crown. Here’s how to handle different types of broken teeth:
Chipped tooth: You don’t need to be overly concerned about the tooth if only a small portion of it has chipped. However, if you want to check for any further damage or for future cosmetic dentistry you can visit your local dentist.
Broken tooth: Locate the broken section in your child’s mouth if half or more of the baby tooth has broken. You can save the shattered portion of the tooth for your dentist to view by placing it in a piece of cotton.
Loose teeth: In the case of a loose tooth you don’t have to worry about rushing to your dentist for an after-hours appointment immediately, however still book an appointment to assess for further damages or treatments.
Knocked out adult teeth: If your child is older and has adult teeth, save the tooth and gently press the tooth back into its original socket. Visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible. For younger children save the tooth separately to avoid them swallowing it.
Tips To Prevent Teeth Trauma in Children
Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are preventive dental procedures that lower your child’s risk of cavities and gum disease. In order to prevent tooth decay, your child’s dentist can suggest a dental sealant, also called a fissure sealant, if their back teeth have deep pits and grooves. While accidents cannot always be avoided, implementing preventive measures can help reduce the risk of teeth trauma in children. Here are some tips for preventing dental injuries:
Use Protective Gear: Encourage children to wear mouthguards while participating in sports or recreational activities to cushion against impacts and minimise the risk of dental trauma.
Practice Safe Play: Supervise children during playtime, particularly in high-risk environments such as playgrounds or rough terrain. Educate them about safe play practices and the importance of avoiding risky behaviours.
Address Dental Issues Promptly: Treat dental conditions such as cavities, malocclusions, and orthodontic problems promptly to reduce the risk of dental trauma associated with compromised dental health.
For more information about teeth trauma in children or children’s dentistry, contact us today on 07 3822 9266.
Dentist at Underwood also services the following areas around Underwood:
- Dentist in Springwood
- Dentist in Sunnybank
- Dentist in Daisy Hill
- Dentist in Browns Plains
- Dentist in Marsden
- Dentist in Slacks Creek
- Dentist in Sunnybank Hills
- Dentist in Runcorn
- Dentist in Eight Mile Plains
- Dentist in Calamvale
- Dentist in Kuraby
Looking for dental services in Underwood or the above areas? Get in contact with the team today!