Dental injuries happen when a tooth gets chipped or is lost accidentally from the mouth. The approach differs whether it is a baby or a permanent tooth.
If a baby tooth gets knocked out, apply pressure to the area if there is bleeding and call your child’s Pediatric Dentist as soon as possible.
If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, locate the tooth, and if possible place it back into the socket and hold it in place. If this cannot be done, place the tooth in a clean holder with milk or water and go to your Pediatric Dental office or hospital emergency room right away. There is a chance that the tooth can be saved if treatment is performed immediately.
For a broken or fractured tooth, go to your Pediatric Dental office as soon as possible. If you can locate the piece of tooth, bring it with you. Again place the piece of the tooth in a clean container with milk or water. Immediate treatment can help prevent infection and may help save the tooth.
In order to prevent dental injuries...
- Wear a mouthguard during sports activities.
- Always use a seat belt while driving or riding in a car and place young children in a car seat.
- Childproof your home to help prevent falls and other injuries.
Flavia Lamberghini is a DDS, MS, MPH, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. Her practice, Apple Dental Care, is located at 2062 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL 60647. Learn more at www.appledentalcare.org. You can also find Apple Dental Care on Facebook.
