We are busy at the ball field and pool during the summer months. What should I do if my child suffers a dental trauma that results in a broken tooth?
Dental trauma is one of the most common results of head and neck injuries, and increases with summer activities. Close to 30 percent of preschool children suffer from a dental injury with their baby teeth, and almost 20 percent of adolescents and young adults have trauma to their permanent teeth. If the tooth is chipped or slightly broken with no blood coming from the center part of the tooth, you can go to your dentist to get an X-ray and repair the missing tooth structure. If the tooth breaks and there is blood exposed, you need to see your dentist as soon as possible.
When the tooth is avulsed (knocked out) it is important to find the tooth! If it is found quickly, you should wash, not scrub, with water or milk. If you feel comfortable, put it back in the socket in the correct orientation, putting pressure there. If you do not feel comfortable, then keep it moist in milk or even in your own saliva. You should see your dentist immediately.
Because prevention is the best medicine, using a sports guard for any risky activity will decrease your chances of a problem.
