Emergency Tooth Injury Tips for Playground Accidents
 Warmer weather for kids means riding bikes and outdoor fun. For thousands of children each year, it can also mean serious tooth injuries. Children under the age of 15 account for 75 percent of all lost, broken, loosened or chipped teeth, with two-thirds of tooth trauma occurring outdoors. Advances in dental care have greatly increased the odds that injured teeth can be replaced or repaired, but action must be taken quickly in these emergency situations.
"What is most important to remember when dealing with a tooth injury such as a broken, chipped or lost tooth is the timing. Following the initial impact, the tooth begins to gradually die within 15 to 30 minutes," said Dr. Jed J. Jacobson, vice president of Professional Services and dental director at Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. "Seeking immediate dental care is critical after any tooth trauma."
What You Can Do If An Injury Occurs
Following are some precautions and tips to keep in mind when faced with chipped, broken or knocked-out teeth:
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Prepare for an emergency by posting the telephone numbers of dental professionals in an accessible, visible place, such as on the refrigerator.
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Find all parts of the chipped tooth and remember to handle the tooth by the top, not the root.
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Do not clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily.
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Reinsert the tooth into the socket, if possible. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, place it in a cup of milk or water.
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See the dentist immediately.
For children with broken braces or wires, cover sharp or protruding portions with cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum. Do not remove any wires stuck in the gums, cheek, or tongue. Instead, leave the broken pieces to be fixed by an orthodontist or dentist.
Preventing Injuries
Children are exposed to all sorts of mishaps that may cause tooth injuries. Falls are the most common cause, accounting for 34 percent of all tooth trauma, followed by bike accidents at 30 percent, and sports injuries at 14 percent. Wearing a mouthguard, especially when playing sports, helps reduce injury to the mouth by cushioning blows to the face. Mouthguards should be worn regardless of the age of the athlete.
Also, children should participate in age-appropriate sports or activities. This can help reduce injuries caused by inexperience. |
