Parents of toddlers and preschoolers learn to expect a few bumps and bruises along the way. The rambunctious energy of this age group combined with their urge to practice newly learned walking, running and climbing skills makes a few falls inevitable. When the falls involve tooth damage and trauma to a baby tooth, prompt dental care can help keep the spill from permanently affecting your child's oral health.
Significance
While permanent teeth eventually replace baby teeth, baby teeth serve several important purposes, according to American Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Tom A. Howley, Jr. Baby teeth help maintain the correct spacing in your child's mouth, making it more likely permanent teeth will come in straight. They also help your child speak and eat---some speech problems, such as lisping, might occur in children missing baby teeth. Ignoring damage to baby teeth can cause short-term pain and discomfort for your child, as well as long-term consequences like premature tooth loss.
Time Frame
If your child chips or cracks a tooth and appears to be in pain, take him to the dentist immediately for treatment. Part of his tooth's root might be exposed or the broken tooth might rub against his lips or mouth and cause discomfort. Schedule an appointment for a dental evaluation if your child chips a tooth, but does not appear to be in pain. While the tooth might not need any type of immediate care, your dentist can look for cracks or other damage.
Misconceptions
The risk of tooth loss fails to disappear when your toddler masters walking and climbing. Dr. Mark Gordon, a dentist and AGD spokesperson, cautions that parents need to expect the risks of trauma to teeth to increase as their child becomes more active. Sports and other active endeavors heighten your child's risk of losing or damaging his teeth.
Considerations
Comforting your child after a fall and assessing the extent of the tooth damage can help you decide on the appropriate course of action. Apply pressure with gauze to bleeding gums until the bleeding stops. Offer your child something cold to chew on, such as a frozen ice pop or an ice cube wrapped in a washcloth. Contact your child's pediatrician if you notice any signs of fever, infection or swelling.
Prevention/Solution
While some falls are certain to occur, careful childproofing of your child's environment can help limit their severity. Gate off stairwells and install padding around sharp table top edges and fireplace mantles. Never allow your child to run with lollipops, hard candy or other objects in her mouth.
