A tooth injury is one of the most common dental emergencies that children have. In fact, the highest rate of tooth injuries occurs between the ages of two and three, suggests the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. An injured tooth can vary in severity depending on the type of tooth as well as the type of injury. Knowing what to do can help reduce the risks that a total loss of tooth or permanent damage will occur.
Types
There are four main types of tooth injuries that can happen to a child which vary in their severity. A loosened tooth is one that is just bumped enough to loosen up the tooth from its socket, and typically firms back up on its own. A chipped tooth is one where the tooth has lost a piece or has been fractured. A displaced tooth is one that is not disconnected from the gums, but has been pushed inward. Finally, an avulsed tooth is the most serious, and occurs when the tooth is completely knocked out. The severity of an avulsed tooth depends on whether it was a baby tooth or a permanent tooth.
Aspiration
When a tooth injury occurs to a child, it's important that you look for the tooth. Children, especially younger children, can accidentally aspirate the tooth into the respiratory tract. If the tooth is swallowed, it's not typically a problem, but aspiration of the tooth can be.
Baby Tooth
If the tooth that is injured is only a baby tooth, it is typically not as serious as a permanent tooth injury. If the baby tooth is completely knocked out, simply place a clean piece of soaked gauze on the gums to stop any bleeding, and schedule an appointment with your dentist. If the baby tooth is displaced, schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible to see whether or not the tooth needs removed by your child's dentist.
Permanent Tooth
An injured permanent tooth is a more serious event which often requires action within two hours of the injury to prevent the tooth from dying. With chips, fractures or displacements, it's important to see your dentist so that the tooth can be fixed or removed if necessary. For a tooth that is knocked out, a dentist needs to be seen immediately. If possible, place the tooth back in the socket against the gums. Place a wet clean washcloth or piece of gauze on top of the tooth and have the child lightly bite down to hold the tooth in place. If this is not an option, place the tooth in a glass of milk. Get the tooth to the dentist for repair within two hours for best results.
