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:
-
Prepare for an emergency by posting the telephone numbers
of dental professionals in an accessible, visible place,
such as on the refrigerator.
-
Find all parts of the chipped tooth and remember to
handle the tooth by the top, not the root.
-
Do not clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily.
-
Reinsert the tooth into the socket, if possible. If
the tooth cannot be reinserted, place it in a cup of milk
or water.
-
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.
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