While parents are all too familiar with the everyday slips, falls and injuries which come with their children’s playtime, it is often difficult to determine whether an injury warrants medical attention, particularly when the damage is not visually apparent as in the case of dental trauma injuries.
This according to Dr Nirvada Niranjan, manager of coding and nomenclature of the South African Dental Association, who noted that traumatic dental injuries often occur as a result of a sport or playground accident.
“While some of these injuries do not pose an immediate threat to a child’s long-term health, more severe injuries can result in medical complications such as developing an abscess. Dental trauma injuries can also have an impact on a child’s confidence if they have had a tooth knocked out or shattered, with fragments remaining in the gum,” said Niranjan.
“Every dental trauma injury is unique and the treatment options will vary on a case-by-case basis. This is also largely dependent on whether the damaged tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth – which is generally not present before a child is about six or seven.
“Regardless, it is important for children who experience such trauma to be examined by a dental professional as soon as possible to determine the extent of the damage and impact on nerves and blood vessels.”
Niranjan shared tips on what to do if your child falls victim to one of these common dental injuries:
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A chipped or broken tooth
A relatively minor dental injury, a chipped, broken or cracked tooth should be seen to by a dentist within 12 hours. Treatment, depending on how badly the tooth and surrounding area are damaged, can include anything from bonding to extraction.
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Loose or shifted teeth
If teeth are slightly loose or ‘wobbly’ in a way that interferes with a child’s bite following a traumatic dental injury, it is best for the child to be examined by a dentist within 24 hours. Loose teeth are easily treated and are saved in most cases. If a tooth has been shifted or pushed deeper into its socket, however, more urgency should be applied to seeing a dentist within a few hours.
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A dislodged tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked out it is a dental emergency which requires timely treatment as the sooner the tooth is placed back into its socket, the better the chance of it being successfully re-implanted.
First and foremost in an emergency situation, parents must find the tooth and gently clean it with water while avoiding touching the tooth by its roots. If possible, depending on the child’s age and reaction, place the tooth back in its socket, held in place with some damp tissue or gauze. Alternatively, put the tooth between the cheek and gum, in a plastic bag with the child’s saliva or in a cup of cold milk.
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Jaw or facial pain
If a child complains of pain along their jaw following a traumatic injury, there may be a chance of damage to the bone, jaw joint, gums or teeth.
“For children playing contact sports at school, a mouth guard is an effective protective option to consider. But ultimately, accidents happen and it is up to us to be as prepared as we can to deal with them.”
Has your child lost any teeth due to trauma? Let us know what you did in a dental emergency by posting on the Midrand Reporter Facebook page
